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According to him, Tehran’s actions include endangering shipping, arming Yemen’s Houthi rebel group, and contributing to the political stalemate in Lebanon.
Also read: Israel Threatens to Attack Iran Alone
“Across the region, Iran continues to be brave,” Prince Faisal told the group think tank United States (USA) in appearance online.
The Saudi diplomat’s comments referred to reports that Iranian-backed forces are believed to have seized an oil tanker off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.
“Iran is very active in the region with its negative activities, whether it is continuing to supply weapons to the Houthis or jeopardizing shipping in the Arabian Gulf, which we received reports today that may indicate additional activity there,” he said.
Iran, he added, has supported the political impasse that has damaged the Lebanese economy.
Also read: Enemy heats up, Iran threatens to counter US, UK and Israel
Speaking at a virtual meeting of the Aspen Security Forum, he also reiterated Riyadh’s stance that it can live with a “longer and stronger” version of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal with world powers if it ensures Tehran never acquires nuclear weapons know-how.
“We certainly support the deal with Iran as long as it ensures that Iran now or never gets access to nuclear weapons technology,” he said, saying Riyadh would welcome Iran contributing to regional stability and prosperity.
“But that would require (Iran) engaging in the region as a state actor in a normal way…, not supporting militias, not sending weapons to armed groups, and most importantly, stopping any possible nuclear program… to develop nuclear weapons.”
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