Saudi troops deployed in Tiran island

Saudi forces have reportedly been deployed on Tiran island, marking the first step in the handover of the two Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir to Saudi Arabia, Mada Masr claims, citing an unnamed Western diplomat. The Saudi troops replaced Multinational Force and Observers personnel previously stationed on the island, the source adds. The story is virtually non-existent in the local press, but has been receiving coverage abroad, including from Iranian media outlets such Financial Tribune.