Iran's UN Mission Expresses Regret Over Attack on Saudi Embassy

Iran's mission to the United Nations expressed regret in a letter to the organization regarding the attack on the Saudi embassy and the damage to the building. According to ISNA news agency, Gholamali Khoshroo, Iran's permanent representative to the UN, stated on Monday, January 4, that despite extensive efforts by law enforcement, a number of protesters against the execution of Sheikh Nimr entered the Saudi embassy and caused damage to the building. He announced that the Islamic Republic 'will spare no effort to arrest those responsible for the attack.' Khoshroo emphasized that Iran 'will take all necessary measures to prevent similar incidents' in accordance with its international obligations. The permanent ambassador also condemned Saudi Arabia's execution of Sheikh Nimr as 'provocative' and requested that this letter be registered and published as a document of the UN General Assembly. Adel al-Jubeir, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, announced on Sunday, January 3, that Riyadh had complained to the UN Security Council following the attack on the Saudi embassy and consulate in Mashhad. On the same day, Osama Naqali, the media director of the Saudi Foreign Ministry, accused Iranian officials of failing to act despite requests for assistance from the embassy from Saturday morning until Sunday morning. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani condemned the execution of Sheikh Nimr and described the attack on Saudi diplomatic sites as 'an insult to the system,' instructing the Minister of Interior to identify and arrest those responsible for the attacks in cooperation with the Ministry of Intelligence and the judiciary. Saeed Montazer al-Mahdi, spokesman for the police, announced on Tuesday the arrest of 50 leaders of the protesters at the scene and their transfer to judicial authorities.