A top Iranian security official on Tuesday accused Saudi Arabia of using “cold war era” scare tactics in Yemen, after an air drop of leaflets that criticise “Persian expansion”.
The reference, to Iran’s language and ancient name, was contained on white paper fliers released from Saudi aircraft in recent weeks. As the Middle East’s foremost Sunni and Shiite powers, Saudi Arabia and Iran are increasingly seen as vying for supremacy in the region, which remains beset by conflict and political turmoil.
The conflict in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition of Sunni Arab states launched air strikes on March 26 against Huthi Shiite rebels whom Riyadh accuses Tehran of arming, has exposed their deteriorating relations. “Dropping these leaflets, as untrue as they are, has the goal of frightening the Yemeni people,” Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was quoted as saying.