Morocco has severed relations with Iran, accusing it of arming Polisario Front independence fighters in the Moroccan-annexed Western Sahara.

Meanwhile, an official source at the Foreign Ministry expressed Saudi Arabia's stand by Morocco in all that threatens its security, stability and territorial integrity.

The source added that the Saudi government strongly condemns the Iranian interference in Morocco's internal affairs through its tool, Hezbollah's terrorist militia, which is training the elements of the so-called 'Polisario' group in order to destabilise the security and stability in Morocco.

The source said that the Kingdom affirms its stand by Morocco in all that guarantees its security and stability, including its decision to sever its relations with Iran.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on Tuesday said the decision had nothing to do with "current regional or international developments", referring to rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and its allies on one side and Iran its camp on the other.

Morocco's ambassador to Tehran has left, while the Iranian Embassy in Morocco will be closed immediately.

Bourita says Morocco has proof that Iran-backed militant movement Hezbollah has provided training and financial support to Polisario independence fighters since 2016, and sent weapons last month.

Hezbollah denied the allegations.

Bourita insists the decision to sever ties is unrelated to Israel's allegations this week that Iranian leaders covered up a nuclear weapons program before signing an international agreement in 2015.

Morocco annexed Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, in 1975 and fought Polisario fighters until a UN-brokered cease-fire.

SOURCE : KHALEEJTIMES