‘SOFT COUP’, SAYS IRAN

Iranian state media called the appointment of Mohammed Bin Salman to the position of crown prince as a “soft coup”.

The move is likely to rattle Iran’s leadership, which has been critical of comments by Prince Mohammed that the “battle” should be taken into Iran.

Shia-majority Iran and Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia compete for power and influence across the region. They support opposite sides in Syria and Yemen.

Tension between the two countries increased last month when US President Donald Trump visited Saudi Arabia and took a bellicose stance against Iran.