Iran: BBC journalist expelled, news bureau shut

TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- Iran has expelled a BBC journalist who had been based in the capital of Tehran, the network said Sunday.

In addition, the Tehran bureau of the Dubai-based Arab satellite station Al Arabiya was ordered closed.

"With regret, Jon Leyne, the BBC's permanent correspondent in Tehran, has been asked to leave by the Iranian authorities," the BBC said in a statement issued in London.

The BBC did not say what reasons, if any, Leyne was given for his expulsion. It said the BBC office in Tehran remains open. Watch how unrest in Iran turned violent »

Leyne previously was the BBC's correspondent in Amman, Jordan, and before that reported from the U.S. State Department, according to the BBC. He has reported extensively around the world.

News coverage in Iran has been limited by government restrictions on international journalists.

Also Sunday, the Dubai-based Arab satellite station Al Arabiya said Iranian authorities had closed its bureau in Tehran until further notice. See images of the clashes Saturday »

Iranian officials offered no explanation for the government's decision, Al Arabiya said.

All About Iran • Manouchehr Mottaki • United Kingdom