Iran orders closure of Al Arabiya's Tehran bureau

Iran has ordered the closure of Al Arabiya’s Tehran bureau until further notice, the Dubai-based Arab satellite station reported on Sunday.

The move followed a decision by the Ministry of Information to shut Al Arabiya's Tehran bureau last Sunday for a week just as the protests over disputed presidential elections were getting underway.

Officials offered no explanation for the government’s decision, which comes amid violent protests over leading reformist Mir Hossein Moussavi’s electorial loss to incumbent president Mahmoud Amhedinejad that have left at least 21 dead.

Meanwhile, the BBC confirmed on Sunday that Iran has asked its correspondent in Tehran to leave the country.

"With regret, Jon Leyne, the BBC's permananent correspondent in Tehran, has been asked to leave by the Iranian authorities," the British broadcaster said in a brief statement. "The BBC office remains open."

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