Rouhani harshly criticises Saudi royals

Tehran - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is harshly criticising Saudi Arabia, warning that the Saudi royal family in Riyadh will harvest the hatred it is sowing in Yemen through its airstrike campaign.

The Saudi-led coalition has been attacking Shi'ite rebels known as Houthis and allied fighters loyal to Yemen's ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh since 26 March.

Iran supports the rebels but denies providing any military support.

Addressing an army parade in Tehran, Rouhani said killing civilians in Yemen will bring neither power nor pride for Saudi Arabia. His speech was broadcast live on state TV on Saturday.

Iran has presented a four-point plan to end the conflict that includes humanitarian aid, dialogue and the formation of a broad-based Yemeni unity government after a proposed cease-fire was already rejected by Saudi Arabia.