Gulf won’t help in attack on Iran: Riyadh

RIYADH: Gulf Arab countries will not be used as a launch pad for any military attack on Iran, Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz was quoted as saying on Sunday.

He said Iran had no interest in striking its oil-producing Arab neighbours if it comes under attack from the United States. “I think the brothers in Iran are totally aware that ... Iran will not be a source of harm for their neighbours and brothers ... These countries (Arab neighbours) will not be a source of harm for Iran,” he said to state news agency SPA.

“Respect and consideration are mutual. I speak for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (relations) with Iran and for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC),” he added, referring to Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Nayef urged Tehran to hand over militants suspected of plotting against the kingdom.

Iran extradited a number of Saudi suspects to the kingdom in the past. Some of the suspects have been released after being cleared. He also called on Tehran not to meddle in Iraqi affairs. “Creed does not justify intervention in Iraqi affairs,” he said. Sunni Saudi Arabia had accused Iran of backing Shi’ite death squads killing Sunnis in Iraq. reuters

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