Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran took a turn after Riyadh’s execution of 47 individuals including the Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr this past Saturday. Nima was convicted of inciting a sectarian strife along with other charges following his 2012 arrest. Analysts say that the execution was made because of how the clerics actions were a threat and how the Saudi government was unwilling to bow down to pressure.

In the hours following the initial execution Shiite protesters in Tehran attacked the Saudi embassy, Saudi Arabia calling out Iranian officials for not properly handling the situation. After the attack on the embassy Saudis officially cut diplomatic relations with Iran.

Some dispute this as a means of conflict based off of sectarianism, given Iran is a center for Shiite Islam with Saudi Arabia containing a high Sunni population. After the execution relations quickly deteriorated, Saudi Arabia sending a formal letter to the U.N. accusing Iranian officials of failing to protect the Saudi Embassy.

Conflict between the two powerhouses was already in a shaky stance when Suadi Arabia accused Iran for arming the Houthis, a Shia minority that had taken over much of Yemen. The Saudi’s had launched military action into Yemen in March against the Houthis. While Iran accused the Saudi’s of attacking their embassy in Yemen years previous.

U.S. diplomats are attempting to make the two nations speak over their tension with one another in order to avoid potential violence between the two military powers of the Middle East. Though meanwhile some nations are taking sides while others are seeking calm appeal. Bahrain, Sudan and The United Arab Emirates have degraded their relations with Tehran following up on Saudi’s official decision to cut ties with Iran.

The matter of how the conflict will continue is rather uncertain. The phase may abate over with time; but it is certain that these two powers will be struggling over the influence of the Middle East for years to come.