Iran protests against raid on diplomatic consulate

TEHRAN: Iran’s foreign ministry said on Monday it “strongly condemns” Iraq’s raid on Tehran’s consulate in Karbala over the killing of a prominent activist.

Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh on Monday told reporters that Iran late Sunday handed over a “leter of protest” to the Iraqi embassy in Tehran and urged the neighbouring Arab nations to pursue the case under international conventions.

“Iran strongly condemns atacks on its diplomatic sites in Iraq,” said Khatibzadeh in a weekly briefing in Tehran.

A day earlier, Iraqi protesters set fire to trailers belonging to Iran’s consulate in Karbala amid widespread anger over the killing of Ehab Wazni, an activist who took part in anti-government protests that swept Iraq in October 2019.

He was shot overnight Saturday outside his home by unknown assailants.

Wazni’s death sparked daylong protests in Karbala, with demonstrators blocking roads and bridges with burning tires. On Sunday night, dozens of protesters gathered outside the Iranian consulate, burning tires in front of the building and seting fire to several trailers parked outside.

Similar scenes played out in November 2019 during protests in Baghdad and Iraq’s majorityShiite provinces in the south.

The remarks came as Khatibzadeh on Monday for the first-time confirmed that a recent talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia hosted by Iraq, the first public recognition of Baghdad’s role as mediator.

The talks with Saudi Arabia have focused on “both bilateral and regional” issues, said Khatibzadeh. “We have always welcomed these talks at any level and in any form.”

Khatibzadeh did not elaborate on details but said, “We should always welcome removal of antagonism.

“We hope to reach a meaningful understanding on both bilateral relations and regional issues.”

Salih said during an interview broadcast live by the Beirut Institute, a think tank, that the first round of talks between Riyadh and Tehran took place early last month.