Riyadh media publish short film showing Saudi army invading Iran under Mohammed bin Salman's command

Saudi media have published a short 3D-animated film depicting the Saudi military invading Iran and conquering its regional arch-rival.

Al-Riyadh newspaper on Friday hailed the video called "Saudi Deterrent Force" - which was created by a Twitter user - for its "realistic depiction" of a war between Riyadh and Tehran.

"The scenes depict reality and the prestige of the Saudi Armed Forces, with its ability to deter foreign ambitions especially Iranian threats," the pro-government newspaper wrote.

"It also lays out the operational reality of how the Saudi army manages its military system," it added.

Pro-government online newspaper Sabq also reported on the video.

The film has been mocked on social media as propaganda and a naive depiction of war. It shows Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman orchestrating a land invasion of Iran after a devastating aerial campaign.

The Saudi army then takes control of Tehran, where Iranian crowds wave Saudi flags and welcome the invading forces as heroes.

The short film has been widely mocked on Twitter.

"In the delusional world of Saudi Arabia, Saudis invade Iran, take over the country and are greeted as liberators by Iranians who hold MbS posters," said one user.

Tensions have been rising between Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia and predominantly Shia Iran, which back opposing sides in wars and power struggles from Yemen to Syria.

Iran and Saudi Arabia have been engaged in a regional battle for dominance being fought by proxies across the region.

Last month, Saudi Arabia's crown prince accused Iran of committing an "act of war" by arming Yemen's Houthis after a rebel missile reached Riyadh. It provoked a heated war of words with Tehran.

Iran denies it is supplying the Houthis with arms.

Riyadh has led a military intervention in Yemen since 2015 in support of the internationally recognised government.

More than 10,000 people have since been killed since the military intervention, according to the United Nations.