Saudi Arabia: Iran Must Stop Interventions for Best Relations to Be Established

Adel al-Jubeir, the Saudi Foreign Minister, stated that if the Islamic Republic stops its "interference in the affairs" of Arab countries, these countries will also be ready to establish "strong relations" with Iran. According to AFP, Mr. Jubeir said on Wednesday, March 10, in Riyadh: "If Iran changes its path and policies, nothing will prevent the change of situation and the establishment of the best relations based on good neighborliness and non-interference in others' affairs." Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab countries have long accused Iran of interfering in their internal affairs and organizing terrorist operations on their soil. Iran has consistently denied these accusations, stating that it does not interfere in the internal affairs of regional countries. Relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran have been critical in recent years, but worsened further after Riyadh executed a Shiite cleric supported by Tehran alongside dozens of members of groups like al-Qaeda on charges of terrorism. Hours after the execution of Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, hundreds of protesters attacked the Saudi embassy and consulate in Iran, destroying and setting them on fire. This incident led Riyadh to sever its ties with Tehran. Previously, King Salman of Saudi Arabia had also called on other countries, without naming Iran, to refrain from interfering in its internal affairs. The Saudi Foreign Minister emphasized that the deterioration of bilateral relations was due to Iran's "sectarian policies" and its "support for terrorism and the formation of terrorist cells in the region." Mr. Jubeir asserted: "Iran is a Muslim country and a neighbor with a great civilization and lovely people, but the policies left over from the Khomeini revolution have been aggressive." The Saudi Foreign Minister's reference is to the statements of Ruhollah Khomeini, the first leader of the Islamic Republic, regarding the "export of the Islamic revolution" to other countries. Ali Khamenei, Khomeini's successor, also emphasizes continuing his path. Meanwhile, Mr. Khamenei also stresses the necessity of "Shia and Sunni unity" and accuses the U.S. of "creating discord" between these two major Islamic sects.