TEHRAN, April 9, (AFP): Iran is prepared to diplomatically “resolve” differences with its Arab neighbours, Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said on Saturday, as tensions simmer between Tehran and the Gulf countries.
“If there are some mistrusts (between Iran and the Arab countries), we can sit down and resolve them through diplomatic channels,” Salehi said during a press conference translated into English by Iran’s Press TV channel.
Relations between the Islamic republic and its neighbours have been strained in recent weeks, as Tehran insists on supporting the uprisings in the Arab world.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have accused Iran of plotting against their security, a charge rejected by Tehran.
“Our official policy is non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries,” Salehi said.
“We have only condemned the use of violence against defenceless people. This is our stance,” said Salehi, insisting that the “legitimate demands” of the people in the region should be heeded by their governments.
Iran has severely condemned the deadly crackdown of Bahrain against its Shiite opposition as well as a decision by its Sunni monarch to ask Saudi-led GCC troops to be deployed in the tiny Gulf island.
Kuwait meanwhile has accused several Iranian diplomats of having links to an active spy ring and promised to expel them. Iran denied having any connection with the espionage network.
Salehi said Iran’s position has provoked Arab countries, including Kuwait, to allege “charges” against Iran.
“But we can draw the conclusion that they want to shift the blame onto others since they cannot meet the legitimate demands of Bahrainis,” he said.