Manama: Bahrain’s state media reported Monday, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al Jubeir has denied that Pakistan mediated between Saudi Arabia and Iran amid recent tensions between the two rival countries,. Some countries had offered to mediate and communicate ideas between Riyadh and Tehran, however there will be no mediation “unless Iran responds positively”, the Bahrain News Agency (BNA) report quoted Jubeir as saying.

Reports last week said that Pakistan had offered to mediate between the two countries and end a tense situation sparked by the attacks on the Saudi diplomatic missions in Tehran and Mashhad. “A lot of countries have offered mediation and delivered ideas between Saudi and Iran, but there is no need for this because the Kingdom is aware of its rights and Iran knows what has to be done.”

Al-Jubeir added: “There won’t be any mediation because, for 35 years, Iran has adopted a hostile approach toward Arab countries by meddling in their internal affairs, sowing sectarian strife and backing terrorism as confirmed by numerous strong evidences.” Iran is among the terrorism-supportive countries listed by the UN and several states other than Saudi Arabia, he pointed out. “There are governmental agencies in Iran listed as terrorist organizations.

There are also officials in Iran’s security agencies wanted for their involvement in terrorism. Iran should change its policy and method of dealing with its neighbors on the principle of good neighborliness and refrain from interference in the internal affairs of other countries so that the path will be open to building better relations with its neighbors,” he explained. “The message is clear Iran has to change its policies and have a better relationship with its neighboring countries.” Saudi Arabia severed all diplomatic relations with Iran on Jan. 3, a move that was followed by several other Arab countries, including Bahrain.