Allies of Saudi Arabia followed the kingdom’s lead Monday and scaled back diplomatic ties to Iran after the ransacking of Saudi diplomatic missions in the Islamic Republic, violence sparked by the Saudi execution of a prominent Shiite cleric.
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President of the predominantly Shi’ite Iran, Hassan Rouhani, condemned the violent ransackers on Saturday as extremists.
Each Gulf government characterized the decision as a reaction to aggressive Iranian foreign policy.
Mogherini contacted her Iranian and Saudi counterparts Sunday, advocating for effort from both sides to avoid further escalation of tensions.
Several Shi’ite groups have vowed retribution for Nimr’s killing.
Sudan and the tiny island kingdom of Bahrain said Monday they would sever ties with Iran The United Arab Emirates announced it would downgrade ties to Tehran to the level of the charge d’affaires, while other nations issued statements criticizing Iran. “Iran does not have guardianship or jurisdiction over a large number of Arabs for some sectarian reason”.
“Doubtlessly, unfairly spilled blood of oppressed martyr #SheikhNimr will affect rapidly”, the message read, using a trending hashtag for the late cleric.
The European Union (EU) Monday urged concerned parties to act responsibly towards recent events between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the cause of a current strained diplomatic situation between the two countries.
Dujarric said Ban told Jubeir that Saudi Arabia should “renew its commitment to a ceasefire” in Yemen. The White House echoed this concern, with one senior administration official warning that coordination in the fight against Islamic State – a threat to both countries – could suffer from the diplomatic breakdown.
“We reiterate the need for leaders throughout the region to redouble efforts aimed at de-escalating regional tensions”.
Despite the fears, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Abdallah al-Mouallimi, insisted the row would not have an impact on efforts to resolve regional conflicts.
Saudi Arabia cut ties to Iran after attacks on two of its diplomatic posts in the Islamic Republic following Mr al-Nimr’s execution.
U.S. and Saudi officials are continuing to work on a $1.29-billion sale of USA precision munitions approved in November, according to military and industry sources.
Over and above, Saudi Foreign Minister, Adel al-Jubeir, announced Monday that Saudi Arabia will cease air traffic with Iran, placing a ban on its citizens from travelling there, reported Al Arabiya local news.
“One does not respond to criticism by cutting off heads”, Rouhani said, referring to the usual Saudi practice of carrying out executions with beheading by the sword.
“We don’t confirm the prime minister’s travel plans in advance”. “We hope its not irreparable”, Kirby added, expressing hope that negotiations toward a cease-fire in Syria would continue on track.
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Before his arrest in July 2012, al-Nimr led mass protests against Saudi authorities in the country’s eastern Qatif province.
