Iran: Saudi would eventually have to answer for terror support

Iran says Saudi Arabia has incurred disrepute across the international community for sponsoring terrorism and will eventually be held accountable for giving patronage to terror groups.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi made the remarks in a press conference on Monday.

“[Given] the situation, which Saudi Arabia has gotten itself into, and in the light of international circles’ acquaintance with the country [‘s activities], its measures [to advance its agenda] would be of no avail and the country would have to answer for its support for international terrorism,” he said.

Qassemi was referring to the Saudi Kingdom’s campaign to propagate its radical ideology of Wahhabism and inculcate extremism worldwide, as well as Riyadh’s lavish financial support for terrorist outfits in the Middle East region.

Qassemi also addressed US President Barack Obama’s recent veto of a bill that would have allowed family members of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia, saying even that would not keep the kingdom from being held accountable for backing terror.

“This measure (the veto) was taken due to some considerations, despite the US Congress 28-page report and the fact that today, it is evident to what extent Saudi Arabia has been involved in the September 11 incident.” The congressional report, recently released by the US administration, links members of the Saudi government to the attackers.

“This measure by the United States is not unexpected. The US acts in the region and the world follow a set of double standards. The country changes its positions in accordance with immediate, temporary, and midterm goals.”

He further rejected Saudi Arabia’s claim of Iran’s presence in Yemen, saying the kingdom tries to play a blame game in the region.

“Saudi Arabia has launched an offensive against an independent country, bombarding and killing innocent people. Now that there’s no way forward for Saudi Arabia, it tries to shift the blame on others. We have, time and again, rejected these claims. We haven’t had and will never have any role in Yemeni developments,” the official asserted, saying it is the Yemeni people, who are resisting the Saudi invasion.

Saudi Arabia has been incessantly pounding Yemen since March 2015, with the UN putting the toll at 10,000. The offensive was launched to reinstate former president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, and undermine Ansarullah.

Qassemi also slammed the Arab kingdom for playing an unconstructive role in the Middle East. He said Riyadh is using any means to put pressure on Tehran and sabotage its relations with regional countries.

The senior diplomat later advised the Saudi authorities to take a lesson from the tragic fate of certain regional dictators such as Saddam Hussein and refrain from treading down the same path.