Saudi Threats “Provocative”

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi dismissed Saudi threats of retaliation after the US accused Iran of being behind the firing of a ballistic missile at Saudi Arabia from Yemen as “unfounded, irresponsible, destructive and provocative”.

Saudi air defense intercepted the missile near Riyadh’s airport before landing on the Saudi territory on Saturday, without any casualties.

“Iran’s role and its direct command of its Houthi proxy in this matter constitutes a clear act of aggression that targets neighboring countries, and threatens peace and security in the region and globally,” the Saudi-led coalition that has been waging a war in Yemen claimed in a statement on Monday, AP reported.

“Therefore, the coalition’s command considers this a blatant act of military aggression by [Iran] and could rise to be considered as an act of war against the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” The statement added that the coalition command also affirms that the kingdom reserves its right to respond to Iran “in the appropriate time and manner.”

Riyadh’s threat of reprisal came despite Iran denying any involvement in the strike on Sunday.

Iran rejects Saudi accusations that it is providing financial and military support to the Houthis, who have been battling forces loyal to Yemen’s fugitive Saudi-backed president Abd-Rabbu Mansur Hadi since March 2015.