Iraq has decided to suspend operations at its Consulate General in Iran, following the arrest of two diplomats there earlier this week, according to news reports.
In remarks, Ahmed al-Sahaaf, a spokesperson for the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, said "it was decided to suspend the operations at the Iraqi consulate in Mashhad after two Iraqi employees were beaten.”
On Saturday, the Iranian authorities in Mashhad city reportedly arrested two Iraqi diplomats, beat and held them in detention. No further details were provided.
However, the pair was later released without bail, the reports added.
"Baghdad is awaiting an explanation from Iran on the incident,” Sahaaf added.