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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia's foreign minister has criticized Iran for supporting what he characterized as a coup by Hezbollah in Lebanon.

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THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, looks on, during a press conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, May 13, 2008. Al-Faisal called on all Mideast countries to respect Lebanon's independence and refrain from stoking sectarian tensions in the country.

Prince Saud al-Faisal says Iran's support for the powerful Lebanese opposition movement will affect Tehran's relations with other Arab and Islamic countries.

Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, the Saudi foreign minister also called on all Mideast countries to respect Lebanon's independence and refrain from stoking sectarian tensions.

Iran, along with Syria, support the Shiite-dominated Hezbollah, while Saudi Arabia is closely allied with the United States, which backs the Sunni-dominated government.

Lebanon's army is now stepping up efforts to restore order in the country after days of conflict in which Hezbollah and it's supporters easily routed government militias.

They have since withdrawn in most areas after demonstrating their superiority.