An Iranian protester holds up a street sign with the name of Shi'ite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr during a demonstration against the execution of Nimr in Saudi Arabia, outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Tehran January, 3, 2016. PHOTO: REUTERS
DUBAI: Saudi diplomats evacuated from Iran after their embassy was stormed by protesters in Tehran landed in Dubai on their way home to the kingdom, Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV reported early on Monday.
Their arrival coincided with an announcement by Saudi Arabia that it was cutting ties with Iran in protest at the assault on its embassy, in a worsening diplomatic crisis between the regional rivals following the kingdom's execution of a prominent Shia cleric.
Saudi Arabia severs ties with Iran: foreign minister
US urges engagement, calm after Saudi Arabia cuts Iran ties
The United States on Sunday responded to Saudi Arabia's decision to cut diplomatic ties with Iran by encouraging diplomatic engagement and calling for leaders throughout the region to take "affirmative steps" to reduce tensions.
"We're aware of reports that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ordered the closure of Iranian diplomatic missions in the Kingdom," an Obama administration official said.
‘Serious concerns’ over Saudi’s execution of Shia cleric: EU
"We believe that diplomatic engagement and direct conversations remain essential in working through differences and we will continue to urge leaders across the region to take affirmative steps to calm tensions."
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