Maldives is latest Saudi ally to sever ties with Iran
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 19 May 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Maldives is latest Saudi ally to sever ties with Iran, 19 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5769012311.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 19, 2016
The Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago, became the latest ally of Saudi Arabia to sever diplomatic ties with Iran.
The Maldives became the latest ally of Saudi Arabia to sever diplomatic ties with Iran, claiming that Tehran's policies have been "detrimental" to peace and security in the Middle East.
The Foreign Ministry of the the Indian Ocean archipelago said on May 18 that its own peace and security is linked to the broader Middle East, so it views Iran as a threat.
Saudi Arabia in January cut ties with Iran over the storming of the Saudi Embassy in Tehran, triggering similar actions by a string of allied states.
Since 2013, Saudi Arabia has played an increasing role in the Maldives, which like the kingdom has a predominantly Sunni Muslim population. Saudi Arabia established an embassy there last year and has offered cash grants to the government.
The Maldives established diplomatic relations with Shi'ite Muslim Iran in 1975.
The Maldives' main opposition party appeared to disagree with the move to sever relations with Tehran.
An opposition spokesman called it "irrational adventurism" by the administration of President Abdulla Yameen, which he said appears bent on "amassing all the world's contentious issues to the Indian Ocean, with Maldives at the heart of it."
Based on reporting by Reuters and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
