Many countries including world powers on Monday expressed concern over rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran as well as unrest in the Middle East.
Controversy in the wake of the execution of a prominent Shiite cleric by Saudi Arabia was followed by attacks against Saudi Arabia's embassy in Tehran, leading the Kingdom and some of its regional allies to sever ties with Iran.
Saudi Arabia executed Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr along with 46 others over terrorism charges Saturday, sparking protests in Shiite-dominated Iran during which angry mobs stormed and set fire to Saudi Arabia's Embassy in Tehran and its Consulate in the city of Mashhad.
Saudi Arabia announced its dissolution of diplomatic ties with Iran Sunday, requesting all Iranian diplomats depart the country within 48 hours.
Following Saudi's announcement, three Sunni Muslim countries joined the Arab kingdom Monday in severing or downgrading their diplomatic ties with Iran.
Bahrain and Sudan announced they will cut diplomatic relations with Iran Monday, declaring that Tehran interferes in the Arab states' affairs.
In addition, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) decided to downgrade its diplomatic relations with Iran Monday and reduce the number of Iranian diplomats in the country.
Over and above, Saudi Foreign Minister, Adel al-Jubeir, announced Monday that Saudi Arabia will cease air traffic with Iran, placing a ban on its citizens from travelling there, reported Al Arabiya local news.
He also said that severing relations covers commercial ties, whereas Iranian pilgrims are always welcome in Saudi Arabia.
Escalated tensions between two key players in the troubled Middle East's political affairs, sparked concerns from various parts of the world.
The European Union (EU) Monday urged concerned parties to act responsibly towards recent events between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the cause of a current strained diplomatic situation between the two countries.
"We expect all regional powers to act responsibly toward this volatile situation," EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini's spokesperson, Catherine Ray, briefed a press conference.
Ray informed reporters the EU would continue to closely monitor the situation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, adding that dialogue was ongoing on all levels with its partners.
