Kuwait Backs Saudi Arabia, Recalls Ambassador to Iran

Kuwait joined other Saudi allies in taking diplomatic action against Iran after protesters angry about Saudi Arabia's execution of a prominent Shi'ite cleric stormed the country's embassy in the Iranian capital.

The state-run KUNA news agency said Tuesday Kuwait recalled its ambassador to Tehran and reiterated its support for all measures Saudi Arabia takes to maintain its security.

The move follows decisions by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Sudan to cut diplomatic ties with Iran, while the United Arab Emirates downgraded its relations with the country. All four nations are members of the Arab League, which is due to hold a special meeting Sunday to discuss the Saudi-Iran developments.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani continued criticism of Saudi Arabia's decision to sever ties, saying that cannot cover up its "crime" of executing Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. The Saudi government announced his execution on January 2, along with 46 other prisoners on terrorism related charges. Nimr was an outspoken critic of the Saudi monarchy.

The United Nations Security Council issued a statement Monday condemning the attack on the Saudi embassy. It called on Iran to respect its international obligations to protect diplomatic property and urged all parties to "maintain dialogue and take steps to reduce tensions in the region."

Source-VOA