An advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution criticized Saudi Arabia for interfering in the internal affairs of regional countries and "outrageously" backing militant groups in the Middle East.
Ali Akbar Velayati made the remark in Tehran on Tuesday in response to Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir who recently claimed that Syria is "occupied Iranian territory".
The Saudis make such accusations against Tehran's "wise" policies to justify their illegal acts, despite the fact that Iran is helping Syria on the request of its government while Saudi involvement there is uninvited, IRNA reported him as saying.
The Saudi minister also urged Iran to stop what he called "meddling" in the affairs of the kingdom's neighbors, including Yemen.
Describing Jubeir's statements as "unfounded" and "ill-considered", Velayati said Saudi officials are not in a position to talk on behalf of other Arab countries.
Saudi Arabia backs terrorists operating in Islamic countries and has launched a deadly campaign against Yemenis, he lamented.
Velayati, who is also the head of the Expediency Council's Center for Strategic Research, touched on the recent letter of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution to President Hassan Rouhani on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Tehran's nuclear program, in which he subjected the implementation of the international accord to some conditions.
Velayati explained that according to the Constitution, the Leader has the authority to make his views known on such strategic issues and provide the required guidelines whenever he feels necessary.
Following the Leader's instructions will help make up for possible shortcomings in the nuclear deal, Velayati noted.
"We hope for the smooth implementation of the JCPOA."
