TEHRAN (Sputnik) — Bahrain’s decision to follow the Saudi Arabian lead and cut off diplomatic ties with Iran proves that the small island kingdom is dependent on its powerful neighbor, a source in the Iranian Foreign Ministry told Sputnik on Monday.
Sunni-ruled Bahrain and Saudi Arabia severed ties with Shiite-majority Iran following an attack on the Saudi Embassy in Tehran after the execution of a prominent Shiite cleric by Saudis.
"We did not rule out that Bahrain would take this step," the Iranian diplomat said. "This step proves Manama’s dependence on Riyadh."
Before the breakdown, Iran and Bahrain maintained limited diplomatic relations. Iranian charge d'affaires has been given 48 hours to leave the island nation. The United Arab Emirates announced shortly after Bahrain that it would downgrade diplomatic relations with Tehran and focus primarily on business ties.
