Iran Issues Fresh Warning To Saudi Arabia

Iran accuses the Saudis of looking for confrontation as tensions continue following the execution of a prominent Shia cleric.

 

After the execution at the weekend in Saudi Arabia of a leading Shia cleric, Iran has accused its Middle Eastern rival of a "trend of creating tension".

The execution of activist Nimr al-Nimr and 46 others sparked protests across the world, including an attack on the Saudi embassy in the Iranian capital Tehran.

The Saudis put the Shia cleric to death on Saturday

Saudi Arabia is a mainly Sunni power while Shia Muslims are in the majority in Iran.

Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif attended a joint press conference in Tehran with Iraqi foreign minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari in which he said Riyadh must end what he called its prolonged efforts to confront Iran.

Video: Saudis Sever Ties With Iran

"For the past two-and-a-half years, Saudi Arabia has opposed Iran's diplomacy," Mr Zarif said.

"Saudi Arabia has moved against our efforts and, unfortunately, they opposed the nuclear agreement.

"This trend of creating tension must stop. We need to stand united ... and stop those who are adding fuel to the fire."

Saudi Arabia and its allies insist al-Nimr was convicted of terrorism charges and accuse critics of trying to meddle in Riyadh's internal affairs.

The rise in tensions follows Iran's signing last year of an historic nuclear deal with US-led world powers, that led to concerns within Saudi, a longtime ally of the US.

Video: Executions Spark Global Protests

Al-Nimr's death led to demonstrations across Shia-majority countries including Iran, where protesters set fire to the Saudi embassy in Tehran and the kingdom's consulate in Iran's second city Mashhad.

In response, Riyadh cut ties with Tehran as did several of its Sunni Arab allies including Bahrain and Sudan.

The United Arab Emirates also downgraded relations with Iran and Kuwait recalled its ambassador.

The row has raised fears of a rise in sectarian tensions in the region that could halt efforts to resolve important issues including the wars in Syria and Yemen.

US Secretary of State John Kerry has made repeated calls for calm to both Iranian and Saudi leaders.

Video: Outrage After Saudi Executes Cleric

Co-operation between Saudi Arabia and Iran is crucial in resolving a range of issues in the Middle East, where they are often on opposing sides.

Iran supports the regime of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, while Saudi Arabia supports rebel fighters in Syria.

The Saudis are leading military action in Yemen against Iran-backed Shia rebels who are now in control of large parts of the country.