TEHRAN (Basirat): An American researcher at the Columbia University said Saudi Arabia has encouraged Tajikistan to break its ties with Iran in an attempt to undermine the Islamic Republic's position in the region.

TEHRAN (Basirat): An American political analyst said an initiative by the US administration to develop an alliance with the Persian Gulf and Arab allies is expected to fail as there are sharp disagreements between the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council on Iran.