Saudi Arabia Takes Iran To UN Over Alleged Plot

Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States, Adel al-Jubeir

Saudi Arabia has reportedly moved to have Iran reported to the UN Security Council over an alleged plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador in Washington.

The Saudi-owned "Asharq al-Awsat" newspaper reported today that Saudi Arabia's permanent mission formally requested the UN secretary-general notify the Security Council of the alleged murder plot.

The United States said it had uncovered a plot by two men with links to Iran's security forces to assassinate Adel al-Jubeir by planting a bomb in a Washington restaurant.

Iran has denied the charges, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said today that Tehran would respond harshly to any "inappropriate measures" by Western powers in connection to the alleged plot.

The Saudi step at the United Nations could lead to new sanctions being placed against the Islamic republic.

U.S. President Barack Obama has said he will press for "the toughest possible sanctions" over the alleged plot.

Reuters