Germany regrets that Saudi Arabia decided to cut diplomatic relations with Iran and calls for a dialogue between both countries, government spokesman Steffen Seibert said Monday.

“The federal government deeply regrets the severance of diplomatic relations with Iran on the part of Saudi Arabia. We call on both Saudi Arabia and Iran to start a dialogue,” Seibert said, adding that both states should use any opportunity to improve bilateral ties.

Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia soured following Saturday’s announcement of the execution of Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, an outspoken critic of the Saudi monarchy, by Saudi authorities.

Demonstrators protesting in Iran against the execution of Sheikh al-Nimr by Riyadh attacked the Saudi embassy in capital Tehran and the consulate in the city of Mashhad later that day.

Riyadh announced late Sunday its decision to cut diplomatic ties with. Iranian diplomats were ordered to leave the country within 48 hours.

(Source: Sputnik)