MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to Al Arabiya broadcaster, 30 Saudi nationals from Shiite al-Qatif Region, an Iranian and an Afghan are being accused of espionage.
Establishing a spying unit in collaboration with Iran's intelligence, disclosing classified information about Saudi defense strategies, planning subversive activities are among charges, brought against the suspects, according to the broadcaster.
The Sunni-ruled Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Shiite-majority Iran, as major regional powers, compete for the influence in the Middle Wast. The two countries support opposing factions in war-torn Syria and Yemen and have divergent views on the future of the region.
In early January, Riyadh and Tehran cut off their diplomatic relations following attacks on the kingdom's missions in Tehran and Mashad, triggered by Riyadh's execution of prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.
