Saudi Arabia has called on the United Nations Security Council to take on the case of the alleged Iranian plot to assassinate its top diplomat in the United States. The conservative Gulf kingdom's UN Ambassador Abdallah Y. al-Mouallimi, however, did not give details on what Riyadh would like to have the UN body do over the case. The UN has imposed santions on Iran over its disputed nuclear program, but with Russia and China having integral ties to Tehran, it is unlikely any further action would take place. Regionally in the Middle East, many observers and commentators are not convinced by the US assertations over the plot, with a number of activists arguing it is another “attempt to trump up charges against Iran.” In a letter to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon obtained Monday by The Associated Press, al-Mouallimi called the plot not only “a heinous crime” but “a gross violation” of international treaties including those to protect diplomats. “According to United States authorities, overwhelming evidence leads to the conclusion that this plot was planned, financed, and directed by elements working for or belonging to the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said. It still unclear what exactly will develop in the case, which has seen Washington demand increase pressure against Tehran, arguing that the plot – which has not been publicly detailed to the satisfaction of Middle East countries – shows Iran's inability to work with the global community. BM
