I read with interest the article “United we stand” (May 17) by Abdulrahman Al-Rashed. It is heartening to note that the Gulf countries are standing together in the face of Iran’s belligerence. They are justified in their stance toward the West-Iran nuclear deal. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman should be given the credit for taking decisive actions and for putting up a joint GCC front against anti-Arab powers. The GCC leaders should continue with their current posture. The entire world knows fully well that the GCC countries have always worked for the stability of the region. The GCC countries’ uneasiness stems from the ugly policies pursued by Tehran.

These are not mere accusations. The world is aware of Iranian policies in Iraq, Bahrain, Syria and Yemen. It is desperately trying to drive a wedge between people of the region by stoking sectarian unrest. However, its march in the Arab world has effectively been interrupted by the Saudi Arabia-led military intervention in Yemen. Washington and its western allies keen on reaching a deal with Tehran over its controversial nuclear program should not ignore the Iranian role in the ongoing conflicts in the region. It should not be given a free rein in the Middle East.

Tahir Qureishi

Jeddah