"The federal government deeply regrets the severance of diplomatic relations with Iran on the part of Saudi Arabia. We call on both Saudi Arabia and Iran to start a dialogue," Seibert said, adding that both states should use any opportunity to improve bilateral ties.
Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia soured following Saturday's announcement of the execution of Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, an outspoken critic of the Saudi monarchy, by Saudi authorities, along with 46 other people convicted of terrorism. Demonstrators protesting in Iran against the execution of Sheikh al-Nimr by Riyadh attacked the Saudi embassy in capital Tehran and the consulate in the city of Mashhad later that day.
Riyadh announced late Sunday its decision to cut diplomatic ties with Tehran to prevent Iran from "sabotaging security" of the kingdom. Iranian diplomats were ordered to leave the country within 48 hours.
