Saudi FM: No plans for Iran mediation

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has denied the existence of any Pakistani mediation between his country and Iran.

The minister told the media on the sidelines of the first ministerial session of the Arab-India Cooperation Forum that some countries had offered to mediate and communicate ideas between Riyadh and Tehran, stressing that Iran knows what is required from it and there will not be mediation unless Iran responds positively.

Over 35 years, Iran has adopted a hostile approach toward Arab countries by meddling in their internal affairs, sowing sectarian strife and backing terrorism as confirmed by numerous strong evidences, al-Jubeir said.

Iran is among the terrorism-supportive countries listed by the United Nations and several states other than the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

There are governmental agencies in Iran listed as terrorist organizations.

There are also officials in Iran’s security agencies wanted for their involvement in terrorism.

“Iran should change its policy and method of dealing with its neighbors on the principle of good neighborliness and refrain from interference in the internal affairs of other countries so that the path will be open to building better relations with its neighbors,” he said.

This article first appeared in the Saudi Gazette on Jan. 25, 2016.