Salman to Iran: Quit harmful expansionism

SAUDI KING SEEKS POLITICAL SETTLEMENT IN YEMEN

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz urged Iran yesterday to abandon an expansionist ideology that has “harmed” its own people, following violent street protests in the Islamic republic that have left 106 protesters in 21 cities, according to witness reports.

“We hope the Iranian regime chooses the side of wisdom and realises there is no way to overcome the international position that rejects its practises, without abandoning its expansionist and destructive thinking that has harmed its own people,” he told the consultative Shura Council, the foreign ministry said.

The two countries have no diplomatic ties and are at odds over a range of issues, including the wars in Syria and Yemen.

“The kingdom has suffered from the policies and practises of the Iranian regime and its proxies,” King Salman said, reiterating that Riyadh does not seek war but is “ready to defend its people”.

King Salman also said the kingdom sought a political settlement in Yemen and hoped a recent agreement signed in Riyadh would open the door to broader peace talks. Saudi Arabia has been the target of 286 ballistic missiles and 289 drones fired by Yemen’s pro-Iran Al Houthi militia, the Saudi king said.

Saudi King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz yesterday hailed a recent power-sharing deal between the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council (STC), hoping it will lead to a more comprehensive political settlement in the war-devastated country.

Earlier this month, the Yemeni government and the STC sealed a Saudi-mediated accord officially known as the Riyadh agreement. “We hope that the Riyadh agreement will open the door for larger understandings among the

Yemeni factions,” the Saudi monarch said in an address at the kingdom’s Shura Council.

Yemen has been in the grip of a ruinous war since late 2014 when Yemen’s Iran-aligned Al Houthi militia toppled the internationally government and seized the capital Sana’a. Months later, an Arab military coalition, co-led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, started a campaign in Yemen against Al Houthis.

Saudi Arabia has been the target of 286 ballistic missiles and 289 drones fired by Al Houthis, the Saudi leader said yesterday. King Salman also accused Iran of standing behind recent attacks against commercial vessels in the Gulf area and Saudi Aramco’s oil facilities.

“We hope that the Iranian regime will opt for wisdom and realise it cannot overcome the international stance that rejects its practices without abandoning its expansionist and subversive ideology,” he said. “Aramco’s quick restoration of its production after the terrorist attacks proves ability to meet the global demand,” he added.

We hope that the Riyadh agreement will open the door for larger understandings among the Yemeni factions.” Salman Bin Abdul Aziz | King of Saudi Arabia