Top Saudi Diplomat Censured for "Baseless" Remarks

Iran's Foreign Ministry censured Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir for his "ludicrous, baseless and repetitious" allegations against the Islamic Republic.

Foreign Ministry spokesman, Bahram Qasemi, said on Friday the Saudi official is straining to distract international attention from the endless scandals of his country, which is "the founding father" of such terror groups as Al-Qaeda and the self-styled Islamic State.

"It is understandable that the Saudi foreign minister has had difficult days in the wake of the release of the secret 9/11 report and more difficult days are still ahead of him," Qasemi was quoted as saying by Press TV.

Qasemi said the world, particularly nations that fell victim to terrorism in the years after September 11, 2001, would certainly realize the significance of the information the report reveals about the Arab kingdom's support for terrorism.

  Jubeir's Frustration

The spokesman added that "Jubeir makes ridiculous statements about Iran whenever he is frustrated," and advised him to think twice about "the repercussions of his statements".

Last week, the US government released 28 pages of a congressional report on the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which hinted at the Saudi government’s involvement in the attacks.

"While in the United States, some of the September 11 hijackers were in contact with, and received support or assistance from, individuals who may be connected to the Saudi government," reads part of the report released on July 15.

The report showed information indicating that "Saudi government officials in the United States may have other ties to Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups."

The 9/11 attacks killed nearly 3,000 people in the US and caused about $10 billion worth of property and infrastructure damage. Of the 19 terrorists, who hijacked four airliners, 15 were Saudis.

The Saudi foreign minister made the anti-Iran allegations during his speech about terrorism at the Egmont Research Center in Brussels earlier this week, claiming that Iran supports terrorism.

Under the new Saudi rulers, Riyadh has adopted an aggressive policy toward Iran and allies that are helping Iraq and Syria fight the menacing takfiri militancy.  

Takfirism, which is the trademark of many terror groups operating in the region, is largely influenced by Wahhabism, the radical ideology dominating Saudi Arabia and preached by Saudi clerics.

Takfiris accuse Muslims who do not follow their extremist interpretation of Islam of being apostates, punishable by death.

Saudi Arabia has long opposed the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose forces are involved in fighting foreign-backed militants, including the Saudi-backed IS terrorist group.

  Bahrain Charges Rejected

Separately, Qasemi rejected Bahrain's repetitive and unfounded allegations against the Islamic Republic.

"Once again, we advise the Bahraini authorities to find solutions for their growing problems instead of engaging in a blame game and attributing their own problems to others," he said.

Qasemi's remarks came after Bahrain's Interior Ministry claimed in a statement that it had dismantled an Iranian-linked cell plotting attacks on its territory.

On July 13, Iran also categorically rejected a claim by Manama that a bombing in Bahrain last month was linked to the Islamic Republic.

Qasemi, at the time, dismissed Bahrain's allegation as baseless and part of an outdated approach pursued by the kingdom.

Manama has on numerous occasions accused Iran of interfering in its affairs. Tehran has strongly rejected the allegation as part of a blame game policy pursued by Manama.

Since February 2011, pro-democracy protesters have held numerous demonstrations in Bahrain, calling for political reforms and greater rights for the majority Shia community.

The Bahraini government is engaged in a crackdown on dissent and discrimination against Shias.

Last month, Bahrain revoked the citizenship of the country's prominent Shia cleric, Sheikh Isa Qassim, which prompted huge criticism at domestic and international levels.

The Bahraini Justice Ministry has also banned al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, the main opposition group, and seized its assets.

Wefaq's Secretary-General Sheikh Ali Salman has been in prison since December 2014.