Qatar recalls its ambassador to Iran

Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled yesterday its ambassador to Tehran following attacks on the Saudi Embassy in Tehran and general consulate in Mashhad, said Director of Asian Department at the Ministry, Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Hamar, reports QNA.

The Ministry also handed a protest note to the Iranian Embassy in Doha.

The note was given following the attacks on the Saudi Embassy in Tehran and the consulate in Mashhad on January 4th, which represent a violation of the international charters and norms that emphasise the protection of diplomatic missions and their staff, a Foreign Ministry statement said. [QNA]

Iranian protestors were angry over the execution of Saudi Shia leader Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, who was outspoken against the Saudi ruling family and its treatment of Shia citizens.

Following the violent protests, Saudi Arabia were quick to end diplomatic ties with Iran. Qatar and other GCC countries followed suit and recalled their ambassodors from Iran in formally condemning the attacks that took place three days ago.