Saudi Arabia-Iran conflict: Sunni dominance seen in Middle East as UAE, Bahrain, Sudan cut off ties with Tehran
The conflict between Tehran and Riyadh escalated following the admission by Saudi government that it has executed Sheikh Nimr-al-Nimr, the revered Shiite cleric residing in Saudi Arabia. The cause of capital punishment is said to be charges of sedition being proven against him.
Riyadh, Jan 5: The conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran is out in the public and taking a negative turn as the entire geo-political stretch is turning volatile. The conflict arises from the vicious sectarian battle between the Sunni dominated Saudi and Iran, which is the epicentre of Shia branch of Islam. The Middle East is clearly demarcated over sectarian lines as the impact of 'cold war' is quite evident. United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan have cut off their ties with Tehran after a group of fanatics burnt down the Saudi embassy.
UAE, on Tuesday, called back its ambassador to Iran, and also expelled the Iranian embassy in its own territory. In the statement issued by the UAE government, it said, "We have downgraded diplomatic relations with Iran since it has shown blatant aggression. We have taken this exceptional step in light of Iran's ongoing interference in internal (Gulf Cooperation Council) and Arab affairs that has recently reached unprecedented levels."
Citing Tehran's "blatant and dangerous interference" in its region and other Arab countries, Bahrain too severed all its diplomatic relations with Iran. (ALSO READ: Oil prices rebound in Asia as Saudi Arabia-Iran row deepens)
North-Eastern African nation Sudan too came forward to exhibit its solidarity towards Saudi Arabia. It was the first Middle Eastern nation to expel the entire Iranian embassy from its nation.
The conflict between Tehran and Riyadh escalated following the admission by Saudi government that it has executed Sheikh Nimr-al-Nimr, the revered Shiite cleric residing in Saudi Arabia. The cause of capital punishment is said to be charges of sedition being proven against him.
On the other hand, a couple of countries falling in the Levant belt including Lebanon, Yemen, the recognized government of Iraq, Bashar-al-Assad regime of Syria will be backing Iran.
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest India News on India.com.