Iran denies supporting Polisario after Morocco severs ties

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran has denied supporting the Polisario Front in the disputed Western Sahara a day after Morocco severed ties with Tehran in protest.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi was quoted by local media on Wednesday as saying the accusations are "completely baseless" and that Iran respects the sovereignty of all countries.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said Tuesday that his government had proof that the Lebanese Hezbollah group, which is supported by Iran, has been providing training and financial support to Polisario independence fighters since 2016. He says Hezbollah sent its first supply of weaponry to the Polisario last month, prompting Morocco's decision to cut ties. Hezbollah denied the allegations.

Iran backs armed groups across the Middle East, including many viewed as terrorist organizations by Western and Arab countries.