Saudi Arabia supports Trump decision to re-impose sanctions on Iran

Saudi Arabia announced its supports for steps announced by US President Donald Trump regarding the withdrawal of Washington from the nuclear accord with Iran and supports the resumption of economic sanctions on Tehran which were suspended under the P5+1 deal.


“Saudi Arabia's past support for the nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 countries was based on its firm belief in the need to work on everything that would limit the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East and the world,” an official statement read.

“However, [Iran] used it to continue its destabilizing activities in the region, especially through the development of ballistic missiles, and its support for terrorist groups in the region, including Hezbollah and the Houthi militia, which used the capabilities transferred by Iran to target civilians in the Kingdom and Yemen and repeated exposure International shipping lanes, and in flagrant violation of the resolutions of the Security Council,” the statement read.

Saudi Arabia said it reaffirmed its support for and welcomes the strategy previously announced by the US president toward Iran. The kingdom said it hopes that the international community will adopt a firm and united stance toward Iran and its hostile and destabilizing actions against the stability of the region and its support for terrorist groups, especially Hezbollah and Houthi militias.

Trump's decision means Iran's government must now decide whether to follow the US and withdraw or try to salvage what's left of the deal. Iran has offered conflicting statements about what it may do - and the answer may depend on exactly how Trump exits the agreement.
  [alarabiya.net]
  8/5/18