Saudi Ties

The ambassador to Lebanon stressed the need for increased ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia. “It is necessary that Tehran-Riyadh relations be strengthened and we believe that Saudi Arabia has an important regional position,” Mohammad Fathali said, underlining the necessity of formation of an alliance between the two countries. He made the remarks in an interview with the Lebanese Al-Binaa newspaper published on Friday. “Iran’s stance is transparent and clear and (the country) has readied itself for the situation after finalizing the prospective deal (with the major powers over its nuclear program),” IRNA quoted Fathali as saying, adding, “In line with this objective, we have sent serious and friendly messages to all regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, and we believe that we should cooperate with each other.” He denounced the US-led coalition against the so-called Islamic State (IS) militant group as “dishonest”, saying it is impossible to believe that such a large international coalition has failed so far to “eliminate a terrorist group.”