Spokesman Rejects Saudi-Malaysian Anti-Iran Statement

Riyadh and Kuala Lumpur “expressed serious concerns over the Iranian interference in the internal affairs of countries in the region,” as the Saudi king wrapped up his lavish trip to Malaysia on the first leg of a month-long Asia journey.

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Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi on Thursday rejected those accusations as “delusional,” saying they are in line with Saudi Arabia’s “improper, totally false, and targeted campaign, which is being waged at a very high cost” against the Islamic Republic.

“The cultural influence and presence of a country has roots in its history, culture and civilization and is an inherent, cultural and quite natural and popular issue, which is basically not achievable through any military, economic and even political leverage,” Qassemi said.

“The principled policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as an effective and peaceful country, is based on mutual respect and non-interference in the affairs of other countries,” he said.

Iran’s policy, he added, is also based on “coexistence and cooperation with all neighbors and countries of the region and the world in order to strengthen stability, security and peace and a relentless fight on terrorism.”

Qassemi further stated that Iran’s “advice to all Islamic countries is that they should analyze regional and global situations with more vigilance and care and avoid being drawn into disputes, which are against the principle of friendship and peaceful relationship.”