Jordan recalls ambassador from Iran over 'regional interference'

Jordan has recalled its ambassador to Iran over Tehran's "interference" in Arab affairs in the region, and will not name a new one.

A senior Jordanian source told Al Arabiya on Friday that Abdullah Abu Rumman was transferred from Iran to Jordan's Foreign Ministry headquarters in Amman after a decision by the Jordanian cabinet.

"There is no intention to name another Jordanian envoy in Tehran at the time," the source told Al Arabiya.

"We reject (Iran's policies) that interfere in the internal affairs of brotherly Arab countries and that harm the principle of good neighborliness which we respect when dealing with countries neighboring Arab states," the source added.

The official said that Iranian policies are leading to "deepening instability" in the Middle East.

Diplomats say that Jordan's decision comes as the country evaluates its relations with Iran.

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told Al Arabiya that Amman is concerned about the security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

"The security and stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is part of the security and stability of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan," he said.

Last week, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait offered $2.5 billion in aid for Jordan to ease its economic crisis following a wave of anti-austerity protests.

Jordan has been rocked by mass protests against price rises and a proposed tax hike as the government pushes measures to slash the country's debt, leading to the prime minister's resignation.

The Gulf aid package appeared driven by the desire to avoid a repeat of the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings, which saw pent-up public anger spilling onto the street across the Middle East, analysts say.