DHAKA: The commander of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards accused Saudi Arabia of treachery Monday, saying the bombing of Yemen had put the kingdom in the same camp as arch foe Israel.

The remarks, by General Mohammad Ali Jafari, are a further sign of deteriorating relations between Teheran and Riyadh, after recent heavy criticism by Iran’s supreme leader and other top officials.

As the Middle East’s foremost Sunni and Shia powers, Saudi Arabia and Iran are increasingly seen as vying for supremacy in the region, which remains beset by conflict and political turmoil.

Jafari urged Iranian officials to put aside past considerations and speak out against the kingdom, following its air strikes in Yemen.

BDST: 1816 HRS, APR 27, 2015
RR