Iran seeks alleviation of tensions with Saudi Arabia

The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that Iran does not seek any "tension" with Riyadh, Tehran Times daily reported.

"We hope they (the Saudis) ... make up for their past mistakes and create an atmosphere of agreement and negotiation," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying.

"Saudi Arabia has made strategic mistakes in Yemen and we hope they will become ready to hold talks with Iran in a fair atmosphere," Qasemi said.

Commenting on the recent remarks by the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman who had said that Saudi Arabia will take the "battle" inside Iran before its comes to Saudi Arabia, Qasemi said such "inconsiderate" comments originated from lack of true understanding.

Iran hopes that such remarks will not be repeated, because it will bring unfavourable consequences for them, he said.

The Iranian spokesman also said that Iran seeks to help establish peace, stability and security in the Middle East.

In January 2016, Saudi Arabia cut its diplomatic ties with Iran following attacks on its mission in the country during angry protests against the Saudi execution of a prominent Shiite cleric.

Both Muslim states are also at loggerheads over their expansion of influence in Iraq, Syria, Yeman and Bahrain.

--IANS

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