US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has called for power demands of Iran to be curbed in Middle East. Above all, an independent and prosperous Iraq is a good remedy against “vicious behavior” of Tehran, said Tillerson in Saudi Arabian capital Riad. At same time, he welcomed political rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iraq. “We believe that this will in some respects counteract unproductive influences of Iran in Iraq,” he said in allusion to Iranian militias fighting in Iraq. “These fighters must go home.”
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At same time, Foreign Minister also reaffirmed its support for European governments and businesses. To curb Iran’s ambitions in region is not only task of its neighbouring countries. “We hope that European companies, countries and ors in world will join US if we create a sanction system that forbids certain activities of Revolutionary Guard, promotes instability in region and leads to destruction in region”, says Tillerson.
Previously, Saudi Arabian King Salman and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi had founded a council in presence of Tillersons. The aim is to improve cooperation between two countries. King Salman alluded to intra-Iraqi conflict following Kurds ‘ independence referendum that his country supported “Iraq’s unity and stability.” Prime Minister Al-Abadi said he was “satisfied” with strengning of relations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohamed Dschawad Sarif responded with sharp criticism of Tillersons’s thrust. “Unfortunately, government of US President Donald Trump does not want to learn from ir mistakes and also does not deviate from ir anti-Iran course in recent months,” he said, according to a report by Iranian news agency ISNA. The US leadership also does not want to understand that Iran is not in danger for region, but wants to ensure peace and stability in region with fight against IS. “Without Iran, it would now reign in Damascus, Baghdad and Erbil,” said minister.
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The relationship between Iraq and Saudi Arabia has been tense since US army had used 1991 Saudi soil to attack Iraq. Last year, however, Saudi Arabia sent an ambassador to Iraqi capital Baghdad for first time in about 25 years. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir travelled to Iraq at end of February. On Wednesday, for first time in 27 years, a commercial passenger machine from Riyadh had landed in Baghdad.
Iran is considered to be counterpart of Saudi Arabia in region. In Syrian war, Saudi Arabia supports rebel groups, while Tehran is one of most important allies of President Bashar al-Assad.
The relationship between US and Iran also remains tense. For example, US president Donald Trump had refused a few days ago to certify that Tehran is abiding by international nuclear agreement. This in extreme case threatens a collapse of agreement.
