In a Sunday meeting in Cairo, Arab League leaders denounced Iran and Hezbollah, although there have yet to be any actions to back up their statements.
Leaders criticized Iran for creating turmoil in the Middle East, specifically citing their backing of the Houthi rebels in Yemen’s civil war, and condemned Hezbollah as a terror organization.
“Iranian threats have exceeded all boundaries and are pushing the region toward the abyss,” said Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
Aboul Gheit also pointed out that “Iran is aiming to control many of the Arab capitals.”
Adel Al-Jubeir, the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, noted at the meeting that the Houthi rebels have fired missiles at the Gulf Kingdom 80 times since 2015.
“Showing leniency toward Iran will not leave any Arab capital safe from those ballistic missiles,” said Al-Jubeir. “We are obliged today to take a serious and honest stand… to counter these belligerent policies.”
Additionally, Khalid bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, the foreign minister of Bahrain, stated, “We want to hold countries where Hezbollah is a partner in government responsible, specifically Lebanon,” adding that the “terror group” is controlling Lebanon.
Al-Khalifa also stated that Bahrain would need to rely on Western allies if the Arab League didn’t take any action against Iran. The league didn’t take any action against Iran or Hezbollah despite their criticisms of them.
Iran’s foreign minister, Javad Zarif, claimed that the Arab League’s condemnation of them stemmed from “countries like the Saudi regime are pursuing divisions and creating differences.”
Lebanese President Michael Aoun defended Hezbollah as acting in self-defense from Israel.
The Arab League meeting comes amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Gulf Kingdom has even accused Iran of committing an act of war against them.
