Iran's supreme leader condemns attack on Saudi embassy in Tehran
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 20 January 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iran's supreme leader condemns attack on Saudi embassy in Tehran, 20 January 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56c4292625.html [accessed 31 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. |
January 20, 2016
Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has condemned the attack on Saudi Arabia's Embassy in Tehran in early January, saying it was "very bad" and "wrong."
Khamenei equated the assault to an attack against both Iran and Islam.
Khamenei's remarks were published on his website on January 20 in response to violence at several Saudi diplomatic buildings in Iran that followed Saudi Arabia's execution on January 2 of Shi'ite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.
Hard-line protesters responded in Tehran by storming the Saudi Embassy, setting fires there and throwing papers on the roof.
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Sudan broke all ties with Iran after the violence. The United Arab Emirates downgraded its relations and Kuwait recalled its ambassador to Iran.
Earlier in January, Khamenei said Saudi officials should "have no doubt there will be divine vengeance" for Nimr's death.
Iran's government had called the attack "suspicious" and "in favor of Saudi Arabia's policies."
Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
