Saudi Arabia tries to achieve its regional goals by promoting “Iranophobia” and creating tensions in the region, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said. Zarif made the statement in an interview broadcast on Iranian TV on Monday, adding that Saudi actions result from their fear over the implementation of Iran’s nuclear agreement with world powers. Zarif noted that among other actions, Saudi Arabia executed Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr and reduced oil prices to stoke regional tensions. “Cutting oil prices harmed them more than it harmed us,” he said, adding that “Saudis cannot further their policies by propagating Iranophobic lies.” Zarif said Iran does not seek to create regional tensions and has never done so, adding that “as a powerful country, Iran will move past all these desperate actions” but will not allow anybody to disrespect its people.
“Enmity with Iran has never had any benefits for anyone, including regional powers, and the interest of our friends in the region is in treading the path of friendship,” he said.
