Iran's stability is in interest of Middle East, Muslim states, Iraqi president tells Arab leaders

Iraq's President Barham Salih told Arab leaders gathered in Saudi Arabia on Thursday that the security and stability of Iran is in the interest of Muslim and Arab states.

Speaking at an emergency Arab League summit convened by King Salman bin Abdulaziz as a show of unity against Iran, Salih described Iran as a Muslim country and neighbour to Iraq.

"We do not hope that its security is targeted because we share 1,400 kilometers of border and a number of relations," he said, referring to Iran. "Honestly, the security and stability of a neighbouring Islamic country is in the interest of Muslim and Arab states."

While he said Iraq condemns a recent attack by Iranian-allied Yemeni rebels on a Saudi oil pipeline, he stressed that the region needs stability based on respect of sovereignty and the rejection of violence.

Iraq has offered to mediate between the United States and Iran amid escalating tensions and as Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers steadily unravels.

King Salman called for three high-level meetings in Mecca after a spike in tensions between Saudi Arabia and its rival Iran.

That the Saudi monarch could bring regional leaders and heads of state to Mecca so rapidly reflects the kingdom's desire to project a unified Muslim and Arab position on Iran.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Sudanese Transitional Military Council leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan were among the leaders pictured arriving for the summit.