Iran and Saudi Arabia are in the middle of a worsening dispute following the weekend execution in Saudi of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr. It's only been a few days since then, but move has swiftly become a diplomatic firestorm that's dragged multiple political parties and countries in already.
Several Sunni-majority countries have either expelled entirely or drastically reduced Iranian diplomatic missions from their capitals, while governments in Tehran and Riyadh hear wider-reaching comment from international players like the US and Russia.
Here are the countries who have spoken up so far, and what they're saying.
Bahrain: This tiny Gulf country followed suit with Saudi and cut entirely diplomatic ties with Iran, citing "blatant and dangerous interference" by Iran on Bahrain and other Arab states.
UAE: While they didn't entirely sever ties like Bahrain, government officials in the UAE did announce the implementation of a drastic reduction in relations with Iran. On Monday, state news agency WAM said the Emirates ambassador in Tehran had been recalled and the number of diplomats across the conutry would also be reduced. Iranian "interference," a government statement said, had reached "unprecedented levels," which prompted the drastic move.
Sudan: Sudan, another Sunni-majority country, also entered the dispute this week. The African Horn nation recalled its ambassador to Tehran and expelled the entire Iranian diplomatic mission from Sudan, including the ambassador.
China: The Chinese foreign ministry said it would be keeping an eye on developments, CNN reported, and urged for calm. A government statement said all parties should remain "restrained, use dialogue and negotiations to properly resolve differences, and work together to safeguard the region's peace and stability."
Russia: Like China, Moscow urged for calm and also went a step further by offering to help with mediation efforts between the two countries. On Monday, the Russian foreign minister said Moscow was "concerned about escalation of the situation in the Middle East with participation of the key regional players."
