Iran must show respect to others

Iran has to abide by international protocols if it is to repair ties with Saudi Arabia

Iranian protesters set fire to the Saudi embassy in Tehran during a demonstration against the execution of Shiite cleric Nimr Al Nimr by Saudi authorities this week. Mohammadreza Nadimi / AFP

The Iranian state’s disrespect for diplomatic protocol was the reason for the recent escalation of tension with Saudi Arabia and its allies. Kuwait yesterday joined the UAE and Bahrain in recalling its ambassador to Iran, as anger grew over the violent attacks on Riyadh’s diplomatic mission in the country. The UN Security Council has also strongly condemned the attack, urging Iranian authorities “to protect diplomatic and consular property and personnel, and to respect fully their international obligations in this regard”.

The Gulf states have the right to be irritated. Despite previous tensions, Iran continues to meddle in the affairs of the region and violate established international rules that protect the sovereignty of states. Saudi Arabia’s former ambassador to Iran Abdallah Al Moualimi said on Monday that Iran’s “interference” in the internal affairs of the kingdom and other regional countries was to blame for the diplomatic rupture.

That’s why the only real solution to this political crisis is in Iran’s hands. The government has to make an effort to respect the sovereignty of other states. By allowing a mob to ransack the Saudi embassy in Tehran, Iran failed in its obligation to protect foreign diplomatic missions.

At times of broader regional instability, in which Iran and Saudi Arabia support opposing sides in Syria and Yemen, it is wise to show restraint and avoid direct conflict that will only further destabilise the region. International leaders are right to call on both sides to repair ties and work together to resolve regional issues.

As Turkey’s deputy prime minister Numan Kurtulmus pointed out, the Middle East was “already a powder keg”. It hardly needs more inflammatory language and action.

If Iran is sincere in wanting to rejoin the international community, it has to abide by the rules. It must respect diplomatic properties and stay out of the internal politics of its neighbours.