Qatar FM warns Saudi-Iran tensions could cause new regional crisis

Qatar's foreign minister has warned that escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran could lead to a new crisis, urging for calm in the region.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani made the remarks to Turkish broadcaster TRT's Arabic service in an interview on Monday.

"The escalatory behaviour between Saudi Arabia and Iran could create a new crisis that the region cannot bear," Sheikh Mohammed said.

"The region lacks a voice of reason to stop the ongoing foolishness and challenge the aggressive political moves, which must be immediately stopped from creating new crisis without exit strategies," he added.

Tensions have been rising between Saudi Arabia and Iran, including over Qatar and Lebanon.

Sunni Muslim powerhouse Saudi Arabia and Iran, the predominant Shia power, are long-standing rivals based as much in geostrategic interests as religious differences.

Riyadh has been accused of being behind last weekend's resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, in a televised address from Riyadh.

Speaking about Lebanon, Sheikh Mohammed called for non-interference in Beirut's internal affairs.

"We consider Lebanon to be very sensitive; it should not get caught up in any conflict between countries. Everyone should avoid intervening in Lebanon's internal affairs and problems should be solved mutually," the top diplomat said.

Since 5 June, Qatar has been diplomatically, politically and economically boycotted by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt over charges Doha supports terrorism and close relations with Iran. Doha denies the accusations.