UK FM: We share Saudi’s concern over Iran

British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson said yesterday his country shares Saudi Arabia’s concern about the Iranian threat in Syria and Yemen.

“The Iranian threat in the region worries us as much as it worries Saudi Arabia,” Johnson said during a joint press conference with his Saudi counterpart Adel Al-Jubeir in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

The minister explained that he had discussed with Al-Jubeir the “tragic” attack on Aleppo as well as ways of cooperation in the war on terrorism and the risk posed by Daesh.

The British minister added that his country also understands Saudi Arabia’s concern regarding the conflicts on its borders.

“We recognise the serious threat to Saudi Arabia because of the conflict across the border,” he said, adding: “We are also concerned about the targeting of Saudi Arabia with ballistic missile originating from Yemen.”

The minister said Iran is interfering in the affairs of more than one country in the region.

“We have to be vigilant to Iran’s role in the region, while Iran should abide by international laws and rely on diplomatic and legal channels in its relations with other countries,” he said.

Meanwhile, Al-Jubeir accused Iran of imposing sectarian policies in its interference in neighbouring countries including Lebanon and Yemen as well as facilitating the work of extremist groups like Al-Qaeda after the September 11 attack.