TEHRAN, May 23 (MNA) – Head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council who is in Moscow for security meeting criticized Saudi Arabia’s massive arms deal with US, saying accruing weapons has never brought security for any country.  

Ali Shamkhani made the remarks upon arrival at Moscow Airport on Tuesday. The Iranian senior official is scheduled to attend an International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues in Moscow and hold talks with a number of Russian officials on the sidelines of the meeting.

Speaking to reporters, Shamkhani highlighted the significance of this security meeting in identifying capacities for fighting terrorism through security dialogs, adding “at the initiative of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russian Federation, the first meeting of heads of national securities of member countries to the Syrian-backed anti-terrorism coalition will be held today in the Russian city of Zavidovo.”

Shamkhani underscored the need for continuation of talks and cooperation among influential countries on international security with an aim to reduce security threats and crises and create global peace and stability, adding “under circumstances where the world needs more than ever to distance itself from violent and extremist ideologies and actions, certain countries with bad records of sponsoring terrorism are using the petro dollar to purchase weapons and turn the region into an arsenal for western arms.”

The Iranian senior was referring to a multibillion arms deal recently sealed between the US and Saudi Arabia during President Trump's trip to Riyadh.

Shamkhani said the security model approved by the Islamic Republic is one based on people’s participation in determining political structures, adding “accruing weapons has never brought about security for any country. The fate of Saddam Hussein’s government in Iraq is the best example to prove this claim.”

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