CCTV9英语新闻：伊朗的起伏与阿拉伯的历史关系（在线收听）

This is the second cut of diplomatic ties between the two countries in nearly 30 years. Let's look at some of the big events in the rocky relationship between the two regional Islamic powers.

In July, 1987, tens of thousands of Shi'ite pilgrim demonstrators took to the street after the Hajj in the Muslim holy city of Mecca. More than 400 pilgrims were killed in violent clashes with Saudi police. Two-thirds were Iranians. The incident angered the Saudis and in retaliation, the administration instituted a ban on all Hajj Pilgrimage rituals and activities. Angry protesters in Tehran responded by ransacking the Saudi embassy. One of the Saudi diplomats died from severe injuries. The next year, in 1988, Saudi Arabia responded by cutting diplomatic relations with Iran.

During the 1991 Gulf War, Iran stood neutral  and mended relations with Gulf, countries including Saudi Arabia. In March 1991, the two countries restored diplomatic ties, and bilateral relations were improved in the next decade.

Entering the 21st Century, with Iran's nuclear issue and the developments in the regional situation, their ties have deteriorated again.