The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned what he called the 'offensive' remarks made by the Secretary of the Guardian Council, Ahmad Jannati, during Friday prayers in Tehran regarding the death of King Abdullah, the former king of Saudi Arabia. Abdul Latif al-Zayani stated in a press release published by the Kuwait News Agency and other Arab media that 'the disrespect towards a prominent figure of the Arab and Muslim nations, who dedicated his life to serving Arabs, Muslims, and humanitarian causes, is unacceptable.' He added, 'Jannati's irresponsible and hostile statements do not tarnish his honorable record and countless services to the Arab and Muslim nations.' Ahmad Jannati, who was the speaker at the Friday prayers on February 10, stated that Muslims should 'congratulate' each other on the death of King Abdullah, asserting, 'The former king of Saudi Arabia had enmity towards Shia and initiated and supported takfirism. He will face the consequences of his actions and is currently suffering from the punishment of his deeds.' He suggested that condolences for King Abdullah's death should be extended to the Israelis and Americans, as well as those in Iran who sometimes benefited from his rule, while congratulating the believers and Muslims who genuinely care for Islam and Shia. This statement came at a time when President Hassan Rouhani's government had expressed condolences for the former king's death, and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had attended his mourning ceremony. The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council emphasized that 'the positions of such Iranian officials will only distance Iran further from the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council.' Al-Zayani urged Iranian officials to show greater respect for good neighborliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and to cease making defamatory remarks. King Abdullah passed away on January 23 at the age of 90 due to pneumonia.
Gulf Cooperation Council Condemns Jannati's 'Offensive' Remarks
The Gulf Cooperation Council condemned Iranian official Ahmad Jannati's remarks about the death of Saudi King Abdullah, calling them offensive. Jannati suggested that Abdullah's death should be celebrated by Muslims due to his enmity towards Shia Islam. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between Iran and Gulf Arab states.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Gulf Cooperation Council condemned Ahmad Jannati's remarks during Friday prayers in Tehran, where he suggested Muslims should celebrate the death of Saudi King Abdullah due to his enmity towards Shia Islam. This statement contrasts sharply with the Iranian government's official condolences.
- Jannati's comments were made during a religious service on February 10, 2015.
- King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia passed away on January 23, 2015.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran and Saudi Arabia have a long history of rivalry, often framed in sectarian terms, with Iran being predominantly Shia and Saudi Arabia being predominantly Sunni. This rivalry affects regional politics and security dynamics.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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