TEHRAN, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki on Tuesday denied that Iran is giving support to Yemeni rebels and called on regional states not to interfere in Yemeni affairs.

    "Iran which seeks a role to establish peace and stability in all countries in the region cannot work to create tensions," Mottaki told reporters in a press conference.

    "We strongly advise regional and neighboring states not to interfere in Yemen's internal affairs and try to restore peace and stability to the state," Mottaki said, adding "stability in Yemen will contribute to regional stability."

    Mottaki's remarks came after Yemeni reports last month saying that Yemen had seized an Iranian vessel delivering weapons to the Yemeni rebels. Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has accused some Iranian religious figures of providing funding for the rebels.

    "Providing extremists and terrorists with money and weapons and conducting oppressive actions and military attacks against civilians will have negative consequences," Mottaki said, adding that Iran is trying to help restore peace and stability to regional countries.

    Mottaki also said that Iran had expressed its concern to the Yemeni government about the current situation in the country and offered to help in any possible means.