UAE, Saudi, Bahrain call for global action against Iran

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UAE, Saudi, Bahrain call for global action against Iran

Tehran's role in missile proliferation and backing terror groups has increased since 2015

by

Mustafa Al Zarooni

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Published: Sat 16 Dec 2017, 9:57 PM

The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have called for global action against Iran for its terror activities in the region after the United States confirmed that the missile fired at the Riyadh airport by the Houthi rebels in Yemen was Iranian made. Saudi Arabia had earlier called it an act of war.
Tehran's role in missile proliferation and backing terror groups has increased since 2015 when it signed a nuclear deal with the West, Russia and China. Its missile capabilities are raising concerns in the region that has suffered from conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.
Iran played a major role with its proxy Hezbollah in propping up President Bashar Al Assad's regime in Syria. It waged a ground war in the country with Russia providing air cover to defeat Daesh. The regime continues to back the Houthi rebels in Yemen in an attempt to widen its so-called arc of influence in the region. The Arab coalition led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia are ousting the Houthis from areas they have captured in the country.
Their efforts got a diplomatic boost with the UN secretary-general's recent report on UN Security Council Resolution 2231 which confirms what the UAE and its allies have long said about Iran. "The evidence presented today by the United States leaves no doubt about Iran's flagrant disregard for its UN obligations, and its role in the proliferation and trafficking of weapons in the region," the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a statement.
"From missiles to drones to explosive boats, illegal Iranian arms shipments to the Houthis and other proxies are stoking the fires of sectarian violence endangering civilians," said the statement.
Meanwhile, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are working with the Yemeni Congregation Party for Reform to find a political solution to the conflict in Yemen. Dr Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, in a tweet said the Yemeni Congregation Party for Reform has disassociated itself from the Muslim Brotherhood. Dr Gargash lauded the Saudi leadership and said Riyadh is leading the way in confronting Iranian "aggression and greed". "Our partnership is based on principles," he said.
malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com


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