Iran: US’ kill-Saudi-envoy-plot story is ruse
The US and its European allies on Wednesday warned that Iran may face retaliation after Washing-ton detailed an alleged Iranian plot by two Iranians linked to security agencies to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the US Adel al-Jubeir.
The US, through secretary of state Hillary Clinton and V-P Joe Biden, said Tehran must be held accountable and urged international condemnation. The plot is “a flagrant violation of international and US law and a dangerous escalation of the Iranian government’s long-standing use of political violence and sponsorship of terrorism,” Ms Clinton said. “Iran must be held accountable for its actions.”
“It is is an outrageous act, where the Iranians will have to be held accountable,” Mr Biden earlier told ABC TV. But the Pentagon played down the prospect of military action, saying the alleged plot required a diplomatic and legal response. “The US military has longstanding concerns about Iran’s malign influence in the region. But with respect to this case, it is a judicial and diplomatic issue,” Pentagon spokes-man Captain John Kirby told reporters.
Saudi Arabia said Iran would “pay the price”. Tehran called the accusation a fabrication designed to sow discord in the region. Iranian Speaker Ali Larijani said the “fabricated allegations” aimed to divert attention from revolts in the region.
FBI director Robert Mueller described a convoluted conspiracy involving monitored international calls, Mexican drug money and an attempt to blow up Mr Jubeir.
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