Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06RIYADH5546
2006-07-12 06:42:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Riyadh
Cable title:  

KING EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT IRANIAN INFLUENCE IN

Tags:  PTER PREL PGOV IZ SA 
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VZCZCXYZ0001
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHRH #5546 1930642
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
P 120642Z JUL 06
FM AMEMBASSY RIYADH
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9559
INFO RUEHJI/AMCONSUL JEDDAH 7457
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC
S E C R E T RIYADH 005546 

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

NEA FOR A/S WELCH, WHITE HOUSE FOR OVP, NSC FOR SENIOR
DIRECTOR DORAN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/12/2016
TAGS: PTER PREL PGOV IZ SA
SUBJECT: KING EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT IRANIAN INFLUENCE IN
THE REGION

REF: JEDDAH 449 AND 450

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Gfoeller
for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

S E C R E T RIYADH 005546

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

NEA FOR A/S WELCH, WHITE HOUSE FOR OVP, NSC FOR SENIOR
DIRECTOR DORAN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/12/2016
TAGS: PTER PREL PGOV IZ SA
SUBJECT: KING EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT IRANIAN INFLUENCE IN
THE REGION

REF: JEDDAH 449 AND 450

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Gfoeller
for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (S) During Ambassador Khalilzad's recent visit to the
Kingdom (reftels),King Abdullah talked at length about SAG
concerns about the influence exerted by Iran and its
surrogates in Iraq and the region. King Abdullah told his
guests that "justice is missing" in Iraq, and that there is
"no equity" between the factions there. He said that Iran
covets Iraq, and its agents are there intentionally to ensure
this disparity continues.


2. (S) The King said that Iran was attempting to make the
U.S. yield in Iraq, but that this was an "impossibility"; now
that the U.S. was in Iraq, it could not allow itself to be
humiliated. He stated that "whatever is in Iraq's interest is
in Saudi Arabia's and the region's interest." He continued,
saying that, "It is important to deter Iran, and let people
know their true identities. We have heard that some people
believe that Iran is the key country in the Arab and Muslim
world. This is not true or possible. It is a fact that the
two holiest Islamic sites reside in the Kingdom. The call
upon the Muslim world can only come from Saudi Arabia, not
from others." The King stated that he had warned Iran that
if it attempted to proselytize in Iraq, it would endanger its
status in the Muslim world.


3. (S) King Abdullah explained that true Islam is based on
the foundations of moderation and maintenance of balance, and
that Saudi Arabia, as the true Islamic regime, is upholding
this principle and maintaining balance between different
factions in Iraq. He added that Saudi Arabia did not want to
give special status to any one group.


4. (S) It was clear that the King's concerns involved not
just Iran, but the Shi'a in the region. The King chided the
Iranian Shi'a for worshipping "domes, statues, and
individuals," stating that worshipping anything but God was
wrong. He said that "these individuals are waiting for the
return of the Mahdi (note: in reference to the 12th and final
imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, who the Shi'a believe will reappear
and establish absolute justice throughout the world.
endnote),and they want to be called masters." He added
pointedly that "it is an insult that they (Shi'a) give income
to imams. How can anyone expect an imam to lead the nation
if imams are asking for something instead of providing for
their people?" He stated emphatically that, "If Iran wants
anything from the Muslim world, they must come and ask for
it."


5. (S) A Regional Arms Race: Commenting on Iran's nuclear
pursuit, King Abdullah stated that he had warned Iran about
the dangerous consequences of acquiring nuclear weapons, and
that doing so would trigger a regional arms race. He added
that although the KSA believes in peace, stability and
constructive dialogue, Iran must understand how dangerous
this situation is.


6. (S) Comment: The King's candid remarks are an
indication of the level of seriousness with which he views
the Iranian threat and influence in the region. His remarks
about the possibility that Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons
may spark a regional arms race are of great importance and
echo the views of other senior Saudi leaders. End Comment.
OBERWETTER