Saudi slams 'attacks' on Iran diplomatic missions

(AFP) - Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry on Saturday slammed the "attacks" on its diplomatic missions in Iran, a day after Iranian protesters reportedly threw stones at a Saudi consulate.

"The kingdom strongly condemns the attacks against its diplomatic missions" in Iran, the ministry said in a statement. "The Iranian government carries full responsibility for protecting Saudi missions on its territory."

Nearly 700 people gathered outside a consulate in the northeastern city of Mashhad on Friday to protest "the killing of Muslims" by Bahraini security forces backed by Saudi and Emirati units, Iran's Khorasan newspaper said.

The government of Bahrain, supported by troops and armoured vehicles from its Gulf neighbours, has this week declared martial law and rounded up dissidents at gunpoint in midnight raids.

At least six people, including two police, were fatally wounded during a violent crackdown on Wednesday by Bahraini security forces that cleared a protest camp in central Manama's Pearl Square.

Despite the heavy presence of security forces to protect the Saudi consulate, the angry protesters smashed windows and chanted slogans against Saudi Arabia and its King Abdullah, Khorasan newspaper said on its website.

Elsewhere, thousands of Iranians marched in Tehran after the Muslim weekly prayers on Friday in support of the Arab revolts rocking Bahrain, Libya and Yemen.

They chanted "Death to America," "Death to Israel" and "The Saudis are committing crimes and the US supports them," according to Iranian state television.