Jordan summons Iranian ambassador to protest Iranian official's remarks

Jordanian Foreign Ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador to Jordan on Sunday in strong protest of remarks by an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman against the kingdom and its leadership, state-run Petra news agency reported.

The ministry told the Iranian envoy that such statements reflected a failed attempt to distort the pivotal role of Jordan in pursuing regional security and stability, fighting terrorism and countering attempts to sow strife.

Iran should adhere to good neighborly relations with Arab countries, non-interference in Arab affairs and respect international conventions and norms in its action and approach toward Arab countries, it said.

Jordanian King Abdullah highlighted the need for countering Iran and Islamic State group in an interview with U.S. newspaper The Washington Post.

In response, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman later rejected the king's comments as "ill-advised." Endit