Lawmakers advise Iran to ‘ease off anti-Arab rhetoric’

AMMAN — The Lower House on Tuesday called on Iran to ease off its anti-Saudi rhetoric and stop targeting the security of Gulf states.

Reading a statement on behalf of MPs, House Speaker Atef Tarawneh reiterated Jordan's support for Saudi Arabia in the face of threats.

Tarawneh also called on Iran to stop its “colonialist and interference policies against the brotherly Gulf countries, urging Tehran to adopt good neighbourly policies towards the Arab world”.

He also warned that Tehran's provocative attitude would ignite more tension and sectarianism in the region. 

The speaker also commended Riyadh’s pivotal role in the region and its anti-terror efforts, denouncing the Saturday attacks on the Saudi embassy in Tehran.

Jordan on Monday reiterated its support for Saudi Arabia, which broke off its diplomatic ties with Iran over Riyadh’s execution of a Shiite cleric.

He was referring to the storming of the Saudi embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad, which Amman condemned immediately last Saturday.

On Sunday, Saudi Arabia broke off its ties with Iran, giving Iranian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country, after protesters set fire to its embassy in Tehran and a consulate in second city Mashhad.

Bahrain and Sudan followed suit on Monday, while the UAE reduced its level of diplomatic representation in the Islamic republic.