LEBANON’S president has accused Saudi Arabia of detaining his country’s prime minister, an escalation in the crisis that followed Saad Hariri’s surprise resignation from the kingdom almost two weeks ago.

In comments published on the official Twitter account of the president, Michel Aoun said nothing justifies that Hariri has not returned home so far.

“We consider him detained, arrested” in violation of international laws, Aoun said.

It was the first time Aoun described him as a detainee. He had previously only questioned the “mysterious” circumstances under which he resigned. The rhetoric further deepens the crisis with Saudi Arabia, which backs Hariri – a dual Saudi-Lebanese national.

Many believe Hariri’s decision was dictated by the kingdom amid its intensifying feud with Iran over influence in the region. Iran supports Hariri’s main rival in Lebanon, the Shiite militant group Hezbollah, which is also a partner in Hariri’s unity government.

Aoun refused to recognise Hariri’s resignation and the Lebanese government is carrying on in a business-as-usual manner.

In a quick reaction to Mr Aoun’s comments, Hariri tweeted that he was fine and will return to Lebanon as promised. “You will see”, Hariri said, without giving a time frame for his return.

Aoun is an ally of Hezbollah but had been close to Hariri before the crisis.