Riyadh-U.S. Summit Accuses Iran of Destabilizing Region, Supporting 'Terror Groups' Like Hizbullah
The United States and leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council concluded on Thursday a summit in the Saudi capital Riyadh during which they accused Iran of “destabilizing the region.”
The Islamic Republic is destabilizing the region and “supporting terrorist groups, including Hizbullah,” said the leaders of the GCC in their concluding statement.
The summit was also attended by U.S. President Barack Obama, who remarked that neither the United States nor Arab Gulf nations had an interest in conflict with Iran.
"Even with the nuclear deal we recognize collectively that we continue to have serious concerns about Iranian behavior", Obama added.
U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter stated on Wednesday that Hizbullah is a perfect example of “Iran's malicious activity in the region.”
Gulf states are concerned about what they see as Obama's moves towards closer ties with their Shiite arch-rival, fearing that Tehran will be emboldened to seek a bigger regional role after the lifting of sanctions under its landmark nuclear deal with major powers led by the United States.
Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbors accuse Iran of widespread interference throughout the region, where they support opposite sides in conflicts in Yemen and Syria.
M.T.
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