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After Mauritanian online newspaper Saharamedia reported that the country's Foreign Affairs Ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to Nouakchott to protest against the activities of «Majmaâ Imam Ali», an association located in the country and linked to the embassy, theran gave its version of the story.
Through its official press agency Fars News, Iran denied the account provided by Saharamedia, insisting that Ambassador Mohamed El Amrani was not «summoned» by Mauritanian Foreign Minister Isselkou Ould Ahmed Izidbih. The same source indicated that diplomatic relations between the two states are just «normal». Meanwhile, the agency accused Saudi channel Al Arabiya of spreading «rumors».
Fars News explained that the Iranian ambassador was «received Tuesday [May 29]» by the Mauritanian Foreign Minister to hand him a letter on «US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal» and «developments in the region».
The Mauritanian news agency confirmed what has been said by Iran, stating that a meeting was attended by the Iranian diplomat and his counterparts in Nouakchott on May the 29th.
On the other hand, in its article published two days ago, Saharamedia indicated that the meeting in question dates back to Friday, 25th of May.
«Majmaâ Imam Ali»
The Iranian news agency said that Isselkou Ould Ahmed Izibih and El Amrani discussed ways to «strengthen bilateral relations» between the two countries.
The same source indicates that the minister asked the ambassador to send his «greetings» to his Iranian counterpart. Isselkou Ould Ahmed Izidbih hailed the diplomatic ties between the two nations and promised to visit theran «soon», as he did in 2017.
During the same year, and as part of a Maghreb tour, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif officially visited Nouakchott.
Fars News made no mention to the fact that «Majmaâ Imam Ali» was closed by the Mauritanian authorities, and that its imam was dismissed.
For the record, Iran and Mauritania normalized diplomatic relations in 2010. The decision was made by President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz. Algeria is the only North African country to maintain excellent diplomatic relations with theran.
