A U.S. diplomatic spokesperson indicated that “our assessment aligns with that of the UN… that Saif al-Adel [considered de facto leader of al-Qaeda in a “predominant view” of member states] is based in Iran”, adding: “Offering safe haven to al-Qaeda is just another example of Iran’s wide-ranging support for terrorism, its destabilising activities in the Middle East and beyond”. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian urged the U.S. “to stop the failed Iranophobia game”, rejecting any linkage between Iran and al-Qaeda.