Riyadh, Rabi'II 9, 1437, Jan 19, 2016, SPA -- A senior official of Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry stated today that since the Iranian revolution in 1979, Iran has established a record of spreading sedition, unrest and chaos in the region in an effort to undermine the region’s security and stability, and in complete disregard for international law, agreements, treaties, and moral principles. During the same period, the Kingdom has maintained a policy of restraint in spite of having suffered - as have neighboring countries - the consequences of Iran’s continued aggressive policies. The official said that Iranian policy is based primarily on the preamble of Iranian constitution and the directive of Ayatollah Khomeini, which is based on the idea of exporting revolution. In a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of other states and interference in their internal affairs, Iran recruits militias in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen under what is called "supporting the vulnerable and subjugated peoples.” It continues to support terrorism by providing safe havens for terrorist organizations on its territory, planting terrorist cells in a number of Arab countries, and assisting in terrorist bombings that have caused the loss of many innocent lives. It has assassinated opposition figures abroad, has continually violated the sanctity of diplomatic missions, and has even assassinated or attempted to assassinate diplomats around the world. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has prepared by the attached fact sheet to illustrate Iran's aggressive policies over nearly four decades, and categorically refutes the persistent lies promoted by the Tehran regime, including the foreign minister’s article in The New York Times and his message to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. FACT SHEET: Iran's Record in Supporting Terrorism and Extremism 1.The Iranian regime is the world’s number one sponsor of terrorism. The Quds Force and other state and state-sponsored organizations actively engage in and support terrorist organizations abroad, such as Hezbollah, Hezbollah Al-Hejaz (Saudi Hezbollah), Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq in Iraq, and a number of sectarian militias, including Houthis in Yemen. Iran has supported and conspired with other terrorist organizations, such as Al-Qaeda. Iran has harbored Al-Qaeda leaders, some of whom still enjoy sanctuary in Iran. Iran has been condemned by the United Nations and many countries. International sanctions have been imposed on it. 2.In 1982, 96 foreigners were kidnapped in Lebanon, including 25 Americans, in what is known as “the hostage crisis”, which lasted for10 years. Most of kidnappings were carried out by Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups. --More 21:21 LOCAL TIME 18:21 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w