China calls for calm between Saudi Arabia, Iran

Subsequently, Saudi Arabia and several other Arab countries have cut their diplomatic relations with Iran, accusing Tehran of involvement in igniting sectarian tensions between Shia and Sunnis in the Arab world.

The statement criticized “Iranian interference” in Saudi Arabia’s affairs over its denunciation of Nimr’s execution a week ago, adding that Tehran’s criticism had “directly incited the aggressions targeting Saudi diplomatic missions”.

“Let us not forget that the perpetrators of many acts of terror, from the horrors of September 11 to the shooting in San Bernardino and other episodes of extremist carnage in between, as well as almost all members of extremist groups like Al Qaeda and the Nusra Front, have been either Saudi nationals or brainwashed by petrodollar-financed demagogues who have promoted anti-Islamic messages of hatred and sectarianism for decades”, Zarif wrote.

The Cabinet noted the position of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Gulf Cooperation Council for Arab states, their strong condemnation of Iranian attacks, their categorical rejection of them, and holding Iranian authorities fully responsible according to their commitment to Vienna Conventions 1961 and 1963, and the worldwide law holding countries responsible for protecting diplomatic missions.

On Sunday, Jaber Ansari said that Iran was seeking to sooth tensions in the region including its frictions with Saudi Arabia.

“If Iran would do so, it would be possible to live peacefully in the region as neighbors”. It is headquartered in Cairo.

A number of countries – including the U.S., the U.K., China and Turkey – have urged both Saudi Arabia and Iran to show restraint amid the ongoing row.

Iran escalates the situation in the region with aggravation of relations with Saudi Arabia, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, TRT Haber TV channel reported January 12.

Pakistan hold its defense ties with Saudi Arabia in highest esteem, said Sharif, the army chief.

Also, Jubeir told reporters Sunday in Cairo that he did not expect the row to affect the peace talks over the Syrian conflict.

Iran was invited to take part in global talks on Syria for the first time in October, raising hopes that its presence would help end a five-year-long civil war.

Syria is one of a number of battlefields in the Middle East where Saudi Arabia and Iran are at odds.