Iran slams Western statement on regional actions

TEHRAN, Nov 19 (AFP): Tehran on Friday criticised as "illegitimate" a Western statement that assured Arab allies their security interests would be taken into account during talks aimed at reviving the Iran nuclear deal.

Iran's neighbours are concerned about concessions that could be made to the Islamic republic in the negotiations that are due to resume in the Austrian capital Vienna on November 29.

In a joint statement issued after talks on Thursday with Gulf states, Egypt and Jordan, the United States and the so-called E3 of Britain, France and Germany welcomed their "efforts to de-escalate tensions".

They condemned Iran's "destabilising activities in the region" including the use of ballistic missiles and drones, while affirming "their determination to continue to address broader security concerns of the region".