A top Iranian diplomat has expressed Tehran's displeasure over an announcement by certain Persian Gulf Arab states to replace Iran's oil exports, saying Iran will consider such a move as "unfriendly", MNA reported.
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iranian deputy foreign minister for Arab and African affairs, made the remarks during a meeting with the undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Khalid Al-Jarallah, in Kuwait City on Thursday.
Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi last week said that his country will make up for any shortfall in world oil supply caused by sanctions against Iran.
Amir-Abdollahian said, "We are confident that regional countries are wise and would consider all aspects of such decisions."
If any country takes such decision it will not be regarded by Iran as a friendly move, he added.
Commenting on the importance of security and stability in the Persian Gulf region, the deputy foreign minister said the Islamic Republic has proved that preserving regional security is among its top priorities and will act according to this policy in the future.
He added that maintaining regional security is a collective responsibility which should be shared by all countries in the region.
If regional countries are vigilant against their enemies they will act intelligently so that security and stability will not be undermined.
He also described relations between Tehran and Kuwait City as close and said holding such meetings will promote bilateral, regional, and international cooperation and help clarify possible misunderstandings.
During the meeting, Jarallah emphasized the importance of consultations between Iran and Kuwait and said that his country is keen to cement ties with the Islamic Republic in all spheres.
He also said that Kuwait attaches high significance to the issue of security in the Persian Gulf region and security is valuable for all regional countries.
Amir-Abdollahian also met with Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs of the United Arab Emirates Anwar Mohammed Gargash in Dubai on Wednesday and discussed various issues including the latest developments in the region.