Iran summons Riyadh's envoy to protest Saudi action that turned back Yemen-bound Iranian plane
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Officials of Felix Airways, a domestic airline, inspect a plane destroyed by Saudi-led airstrikes, at the Sanaa International airport, in Yemen, Wednesday, April 29, 2015. Saudi-led coalition warplanes pounded Shiite rebels and their allies overnight and throughout the day on Tuesday in the Yemeni capital. Around midday, airstrikes hit Sanaa International airport, setting a plane owned by a private company on fire, according to a statement released by the Shiite rebels, known as Houthis. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed) (The Associated Press)
Iran's Foreign Ministry has summoned the top Saudi diplomat in Tehran over the kingdom's action this week that prevented an Iranian plane with humanitarian aid from landing in the Yemeni capital.
Thursday's statement said Iran formally protested to the Saudi chargé d'affaires after Saudi jets bombed and destroyed the runway at Sanaa's airport on Tuesday, preventing the plane from landing. Another plane that was on the tarmac was destroyed in the bombing.
Iranian state TV at the time said the Iranian plane was carrying medical supplies and made its way back to Iran after being unable to land.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Saudi-led coalition has been targeting Yemen's Iran-backed Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, and their allies since March 26.
Tehran has sent aid to the Houthis before but denies arming them.