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Morocco’s decision came at the request of Saudi Arabia, says Iranian foreign ministry official 

According to an Iranian foreign ministry official, Morocco’s decision to severe diplomatic relations with his country came under the influence of Saudi Arabia. Morocco has announced earlier last week that the measure wasn’t made under pressure.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasimi./Ph. DR
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Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman claimed on Monday that Morocco’s decision to cut diplomatic ties with Tehran was taken under the influence of Saudi Arabia.

Commenting on the measure implemented by the Kingdom last week, Iranian official Bahram Qasimi stated that «what Morocco has done is not strategic. This is not the first time Morocco acts with Iran like that».

«Of course, Morocco’s action came at the request of Saudi», he added.

Last Wednesday, Moroccan ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected similar accusations insisting that the Kingdom’s decision wasn't influenced by external parts.

«Following the rupture by the Kingdom of Morocco of its diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, some circles, in need of arguments, claimed that the Kingdom would have taken this decision under pressure from some countries», said the ministry in a communiqué.

For the record, Foreign minister Nasser Bourita announced Tuesday, 1st of May, that Rabat is severing diplomatic relations with the Persian state, citing Hezbollah’s support for the Polisario Front.

A decision backed by Saudi Arabia

Morocco said it has irrefutable proof, showing that the Shiite organization, which is backed by Iran, has been providing military support for the Polisario’s militia.

Days after Morocco announced its decision; Iran, Hezbollah and the Front denied accusations. The separatist movement accused Rabat of being influenced by the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The same official, at the time confirmed that «the accusations are completely baseless» and that Iran respect the sovereignty of all countries.

While, Iran, Hezbollah and the Front denied involvement in Morocco’s domestic issues, Gulf countries have voiced their backing to the decision.

The Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have expressed their solidarity with Morocco in defending its sovereignty. Days before that, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates announced through their Foreign Affairs ministries that they stand with Morocco against Iran's threats, all while supporting the Moroccan measure.