Iran: Saudi Arabia Must Stop Provocative Actions in the Region

Continuing the reactions of Islamic Republic officials to Saudi policies, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, once again urged Saudi Arabia to "stop actions that increase tensions in the region." According to a report on Thursday, January 28, by Reuters, Mr. Amir-Abdollahian, who traveled to Moscow, the capital of Russia, stated that the Islamic Republic will stand against "the beautification of terrorists in a new guise" by Saudi Arabia. This statement comes as Saudi Arabia also considers groups like the Islamic State or ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra as terrorist organizations and recently invited other political and military groups opposing Bashar al-Assad to discussions in Riyadh. Additionally, the Saudis, along with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, have accused Iran of interfering in the internal affairs of Arab countries and creating tensions in the region. The United States has also supported this Arab position. These remarks by the Iranian Deputy Minister of Arab and African Affairs were made one day before another round of Syrian peace talks in Geneva, Switzerland. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has traveled to Moscow since Wednesday for consultations and coordination with Russia on this matter. Russia and Iran have been the main supporters of Bashar al-Assad's government during the political crisis and civil war in Syria over the past five years. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United States, Britain, and most Arab countries are calling for Bashar al-Assad to step down. The Iranian Deputy Minister of Arab and African Affairs in Moscow also emphasized the Islamic Republic's position on Syria. However, Saudi Arabia's support for the opponents of Bashar al-Assad has been one of the points of contention between this Sunni monarchy and the Islamic Republic of Iran in recent years. The ongoing tension between the two countries ultimately led to a group of militia forces attacking the Saudi embassy and consulate in Iran, setting their buildings on fire. Following this incident, Saudi Arabia severed its relations with Iran and expelled the diplomats of the Islamic Republic. However, Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, rejected the need for an apology to Saudi Arabia, stating that it is the Saudis who "should apologize to Iran a thousand times." Mr. Rouhani said in Italy: "Why should we apologize? Should we apologize because they beheaded Sheikh Nimr, killed the people of Yemen, supported terrorists in the region, and due to their mismanagement, thousands died during the Hajj?" In this context, where are the Syrian peace talks headed? Iran: Saudi fighters have damaged the Iranian embassy in Yemen. Pakistan: Continuing efforts to reduce tensions between Tehran and Riyadh. Changing the battlefield of "proxy wars"; the war against the people in the streets of Iran. The first paragraph; the responsibility of the opposition and the possibility of radicalizing Iranian society. The death of the last Mossad representative in Tehran amid the Iran crisis. Trump: I hope there is no need for further action regarding Iran; they were killing people indiscriminately. The shadow of war over Tehran; "Trump is looking for decisive military options against Iran." Trump says if the Islamic Republic attempts to assassinate him, "it will be wiped off the face of the earth." Trump emphasizes the "halt of executions in Iran": we do not know what will happen in the future. A senior U.S. official: The Trump administration is closely monitoring the case of Reza Valizadeh.