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Manama: Iran has distanced itself from the recent wave of clashes in Bahrain, saying that countries with an agenda targeting the region were behind the incitement to acts of violence, arson and destruction of property.

"The instigators of the current violence in Bahrain are people working for countries with negative plans for the region," ambassador Hussain Amir Abdullahian said. "Iran does not approve any form of violence and dialogue remains the best option to express oneself, particularly under the democracy and reforms launched in Bahrain under King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa," the ambassador told Bahraini daily Al Bilad, but without naming any of the countries commanding violence.

He rejected claims that Iran fomented sectarian divisions and caused problems in the countries of the region by supporting Shiites.

"If you speak with Bahrain's senior officials, they will give you the names of countries that fuel sectarianism and sectarian problems. However, Iran will not be among them," he said.