Gulf states condemn Iran's 'aggression' and threaten repercussions

Arab Gulf foreign ministers have voiced their "total support" for Saudi Arabia in its diplomatic war with Iran.

The foreign ministers of the six Gulf Cooperation Council states held an emergency meeting in Riyadh on Saturday to discuss the latest developments since Saudi Arabia beheaded a popular Shia cleric on last week.

The killing led to Iran breaking ties with Riyadh and already tense relations ruptured further.

"[The GCC] forcefully condemns the attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran", said a statement referring to the assault on Saudi Arabia's embassy and consulate last week.

The six party Gulf block also criticised "Iranian interference in Saudi Arabian affairs" and threatened to "take other measures against Iran if it continues its aggression".

It said Tehran's criticism had "directly incited the aggressions targeting Saudi diplomatic missions".

The GCC "totally supports decisions taken by Saudi Arabia to combat terrorism" and "has total confidence in the independence and integrity of Saudi justice".

Nimr was a highly respected cleric in Saudi Arabia's Shia community and led demonstrations calling for better treatment of the minority.

He was executed for "terrorism" although Iran and human rights groups have said the motive was political.

The GCC includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Saudi Arabia and Bahrain both severed ties with Iran, Qatar and Kuwait recalled its ambassador, the UAE downgraded its ties, while Oman - which has the closest ties to Iran in the GCC - condemned the attacks.