KHARTOUM (AFP, REUTERS) - Sudan said Monday (Jan 4) it is cutting diplomatic relations with Iran after Gulf ally Saudi Arabia did the same amid mounting tensions between Riyadh and Tehran over the execution of a cleric.

"The Sudanese government announces the cutting of diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran immediately," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia cut ties with regional rival Iran on Sunday (Jan 3) after Iranian protesters attacked its mission there, angered by the Sunni Muslim kingdom's decision to execute a leading Shi'ite cleric.

Sudanese officials could not immediately be reached for confirmation.