Hasty, Provocative Decisions to Worsen Regional Tensions: Iran’s Rouhani

In a Wednesday meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari here in Tehran, Rouhani referred to the recent positions and measures taken by Saudi Arabia as being on the path of worsening the conflicts and rifts in the region.

Rouhani stressed that amid the ongoing fight against terrorism in the Middle East, unity and solidarity among regional countries is now needed more than ever.

Unwise, hasty, and provocative decisions would definitely foment tensions and harm the regional states, the Iranian president added.

Jaafari, for his part, affirmed that any rise in the conflicts and tensions among regional countries would spoil the solidarity and unity among Muslim countries.

He also hailed as “wise and prudent” the Islamic Republic’s policies in the region and world, and admired Iran’s strong diplomacy, which incorporates patience and courage.

In similar remarks, Rouhani had earlier on Wednesday lashed out at the Saudi regime’s policies and measures that cause further rifts between Shiites and Sunnis.

“Unfortunately, the government of Saudi Arabia, which is the government of an Islamic country, has long been trying to raise and exacerbate conflicts between Shiite and Sunni Muslims,” Rouhani said in a cabinet meeting in Tehran.

Saudi Arabia on Saturday executed prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, among dozens of others. The execution ignited widespread international condemnation, from both political and religious figures.

On Sunday, furious demonstrators in the Iranian cities of Tehran and Mashhad stormed Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic buildings in protest at the Al Saud’s execution of Sheikh Nimr.

Although Iranian officials criticized the embassy attack and police arrested several individuals involved, Saudi Arabia on Sunday severed diplomatic ties with the Islamic Republic.