Saudi Arabia Severs Diplomatic Ties With Iran After Burning of Embassy

Tensions have escalated drastically between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after the execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, an outspoken Shiite cleric.

Nimr, who was seen as a moderate, nonviolent voice of protest against the Saudi regime, was a leader in Shiite demonstrations throughout the Sunni majority nation. His execution prompted protests and the burning of the Saudi embassy in Tehran.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that Saudi Arabia would "face divine vengeance for the execution" of Nimr. Saudi Arabia responded, saying Iran had "revealed its true face represented in support for terrorism." This led the Saudis to cut ties with Iran, saying officials had 48 hours to leave the country. The move signals a nadir in relations between the two regional powers, and raises the specter of sectarian conflict in the two nations.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jebier announced the decision at a televised news conference. According to the New York Times, Mr. Jebeir said this was a matter of Saudi Arabia's security, which the kingdom could not let Iran undermine.

The two countries are considered regional powers, and have tried to sway the turn of events in conflicts throughout the region. They are currently engaged in a proxy war in Yemen where the Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, overthrew the Sunni government.

Criticism for the execution of Nimr came almost entirely from Shiite factions throughout the region. In contrast, Saudi's Sunni allies supported the kingdom's actions, and referred to the execution as an effort to fight terrorism.

Along with Nimr, the Saudis executed 46 others for crimes against the state. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon ,said he was "deeply dismayed" by the execution. He criticized the Saudi justice system, saying that "trials ... raised serious concerns over the nature of the charges and the fairness of the process."