Bahraini protestors run for cover from tear gas fired by riot police during clashes following a protest against the execution of prominent Shiite Muslim cleric Nimr al-Nimr (portrait) by Saudi authorities, in the village of Jidhafs, west of the capital Manama on January 3, 2016. Iraq’s top Shiite leaders condemned Saudi Arabia’s execution of Nimr, warning ahead of protests that the killing was an injustice that could have serious consequences. AFP PHOTO / MOHAMMED AL-SHAIKH / AFP / MOHAMMED AL-SHAIKH
Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Bahrain said Monday it is severing diplomatic ties with Iran, a day after its ally Saudi Arabia cut ties with the Islamic republic amid escalating tensions over the execution of a cleric.
Manama ordered Tehran’s diplomats in the tiny Gulf state “to leave the kingdom within 48 hours,” BNA state news agency said on Twitter.