Jordan recalls Tehran envoy over Iranian 'meddling'

Ambassador called back for ‘consultations’ as Amman says Iranian policies in region constitute ‘unacceptable interference’ in Arab affairs

AMMAN, Jordan — Jordan on Monday summoned its ambassador in Iran for consultations over what Amman said was the Islamic Republic’s “meddling in Arab affairs,” a government spokesman said.

Mohamed Momani, who is also the kingdom’s information minister, said Jordan’s envoy would return to Amman for “discussions.”

Iran in January finalized a deal with world powers over its disputed nuclear program, which saw economic sanctions lifted.

Since the accord, Momani said Iran committed “a series of actions and declarations that constitute unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries and especially Gulf states.”

Relations between Iran and Arab nations have deteriorated since a row broke out over the execution of influential cleric and activist Nimr al-Nimr by Saudi Arabia in January.

Angry Iranian mobs stormed and set fire to Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Tehran and its mission in Mashhad, Iran’s second city.

After the riots, Momani said Jordan had asked Iran to “totally cease meddling in Arab affairs,” a request that Tehran apparently failed to convince Amman it was willing to carry out.

Jordan and Saudi Arabia share a long border and are both part of the Riyadh-led coalition currently battling Iran-backed rebels in Yemen.