Jordan recalls its ambassador from Iran over regional interference -- report

Senior official tell Al Arabiya Tehran’s policies ‘harm the principle of good neighborliness’

Jordan has recalled its ambassador from Iran in protest over its interference in the affairs of countries in the region, the Al Arabiya television network reported Friday.

A senior Jordanian official told Al Arabiya Amman rejects “Iran’s interferences in Arab affairs” and policies “that harm the principle of good neighborliness.”

The source noted Jordanian concern over “the security of the region’s countries, particularly of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.”

The official said there was “no intention to name another Jordanian envoy in Tehran at this time.”

There was no official confirmation from Amman.

Earlier this week Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait offered $2.5 billion in aid for Jordan to ease its economic crisis following a wave of anti-austerity protests, according to Saudi state media.

Mass protests against price rises and a proposed tax hike have rocked Jordan in recent days as the government pushes austerity measures to slash the country’s debt in the face of an economic crisis.

Jordan blames its economic woes on instability rocking the region and the burden of hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees from war-torn Syria, complaining it has not received enough international support.