Iranian policy sows sedition in Iraq, alleges Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has accused Iran of “sowing sedition” in Iraq, it was reported on Sunday. Adel Al-Jubeir urged the government in Tehran to stop meddling in Iraqi affairs “if it wants prosperity” for the country. He made his comments in a joint press briefing with his British counterpart, Philip Hammond, in Jeddah.

“If Iran wants stability in Iraq, it has to stop intervening and withdraw its Shia militias,” he added. “Iran should respect the principle of good neighbourhood relations, to focus on its internal situation and not intervene in the affairs of other countries in the region, mainly Iraq.”

Commenting on the Hajj crisis, the Saudi minister said that his country agreed on several demands, but the Iranians refused to sign the memorandum of understanding for its pilgrims. He stressed that the Saudis do not prevent anyone from performing the pilgrimage.

Tehran: Iranians not allowed to go to Hajj this year

Several issues were discussed with Hammond, revealed Al-Jubeir, including Yemen and the talks going on in Kuwait. He pointed out that Riyadh supports the Iran nuclear agreement, but suggested that he Iranians have opted to isolate themselves by testing ballistic missiles. With regards to Libya, the foreign minister stressed the importance of supporting the head of the national unity government and preventing Daesh from spreading across the country.

Hammond, meanwhile, called on Iran to commit to the spirit of the nuclear deal, stressing that Britain understands the fears of its Gulf allies. He warned that his government will not turn a blind eye to Iran’s missile tests.