TheCable

Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s deputy crown prince and minister of defence, has accused Iran of wanting to control the Muslim world.

In an interview with Saudi-owned MBC television, Salman ruled out any chances of reconciliation with Iran.

Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, and Iran are on the opposing sides of major middle east crises, including the conflicts in Syria and Iraq.

“How can I converse with Iran,” Salman asked?

He alleged Iran was preparing the ground for the arrival of the Mahdi, a prophesied Shiite saviour, and wants to “control the Muslim world.”

The kingdom is bogged down in a two-year war in Yemen, where it has been trying to restore the rule of an internationally-recognised government against Shiite rebels aligned with Iran.

Iran has criticized the kingdom’s military offensive in Yemen.

Javad Zarif, Iranian foreign minister, said his country is not conflict driven, adding that it did not mind a mediator to settle their scores.

However, he said a change in the thought pattern of Saudi officials, not mediation, is the core issue.

“The problem with Saudi Arabia is that it’s seeking to create tensions,” Zarif said.

“We are not after conflicts with Saudi Arabia. Iran isn’t opposed to having a mediator to try to ease frictions with Saudi Arabia. What is needed is for Saudi officials to change their thinking and approach.”

Salman, 31, is the youngest minister of defence in the world. He is also chief of the house of Saudi royal court and chairman of the council for economic and development affairs.