Khamenei: Ahvaz attackers paid by Saudis and UAE

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Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday that the attackers who killed 25 people at a military parade were paid by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Khamenei also said Iran will "severely punish" those behind the attack.

"Based on reports, this cowardly act was done by people who the Americans come to help when they are trapped in Syria and Iraq and are paid by Saudi Arabia and the UAE," he was quoted as saying on his official website.

In response to the leader's accusation, a senior UAE official denied the involvement of his country in training gunmen for the parade attack in southwestern Iran.

Iranian women mourn during a public funeral ceremony for those killed during an attack on a military parade in Iran, Sept. 24, 2018. /VCG Photo

The "formal incitement against the UAE from within Iran is unfortunate, and has escalated after the Ahvaz attack," said Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash in a tweet.

"The UAE's historical position against terrorism and violence is clear and Tehran's allegations are baseless."

Meanwhile, the Iranian side called for dialogue with neighbors after the attack.

"It's essential to be fully aware and increase our constructive dialogues to neutralize the plots of enemies who want to create suspicion and disagreement among regional countries," said Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

(With inputs from Reuters)