The Iranian government was displeased with United States’ decision to sale arms to Saudi Arabia and other Arab states, criticizing the deal on Monday saying it’s aimed at spreading fear in the region.

“The United States has always had special policy of spreading fear in the region and tarnishing existing good relations. It also wants to spread fear to sell and export its arms to the region and thus it talks about fabricated accusations towards some countries of the region,” foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said.

This reaction comes after the emergence of reports that Washington is set to ink a 20-billion-dollars deal with Saudi Arabia and five other neighbouring states through which it will supply state-of-the-art weapons.

Many speculated that the move is actually aimed at countering the rise of Iran in the Middle East and boost the influence of US allies in the region.

Also, Israel will benefit from an American military aid valued at 30 billion dollars through the next decade.

The plan was saluted by prime minister Ehud Olmert, who said this assistance is most welcomed and will certainly boost Israel’s security.

“We understand the need of the US to assist the moderate Arab states which are in one front with the US and us in the fight against Iran, and on the other hand we appreciate the renewed and re-emphasised support for Israel's military and security advantage,” Olmert said.