GCC no launch pad for Iran attack

Saudi Interior Minister Nayef bin Abdul Aziz speaks during a press conference in the holy city of Mecca, 26 December 2006. (MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

Gulf Arab countries will not be used as a launch pad for any military attack on Iran, a powerful Saudi royal was quoted as saying on Sunday.

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz said Iran had no interest in striking its oil-producing Arab neighbours if it comes under attack from the United States.

"I think the brothers in Iran are totally aware that ... Iran will not be a source of harm for their neighbours and brothers ... These countries [Arab neighbours] will not be a source of harm for Iran," he said in remarks late on Saturday carried by state news agency SPA.

"Respect and consideration are mutual. I speak for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [relations] with Iran and for the Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC]," he added, referring to Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

Nayef urged Iran to hand over militants suspected of plotting against the kingdom.

Iran extradited a number of Saudi suspects to the kingdom in the past. Some of the suspects have been released after being cleared.

He also called on Tehran not to meddle in Iraqi affairs.

Sunni Saudi Arabia had accused Iran of backing Shi'ite death squads killing Sunnis in Iraq, and of backing an opposition front led by Hezbollah in efforts to bring down the Sunni-backed government in Lebanon.

"Creed does not justify intervention in Iraqi affairs," he said.

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