MANAMA, Bahrain, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Bahrain is severing ties with Iran, following a similar action by Saudi Arabia after the Saudi execution of a Shia Muslim cleric.
Bahrain, led by a Sunni Muslim king but with a population largely Shia, ordered Iranian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours Monday. Saudi Arabia issued the same order Sunday. The actions were prompted by the execution last week of 47 people convicted and executed last week for terrorist-related crimes, including Sheikh Nimr, a Shia, whose death provoked demands for revenge by Iran. The Saudi embassy in Tehran was burned and looted in protest.