Donald Trump
Donald TrumpReuters

Leading Republican presidential Donald Trump and Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal engaged in a Twitter war on the weekend over Trump’s recent controversial remarks about Muslims.

Trump caused an uproar last week when he called for a ban on Muslims entering the United States in the wake of the massacre in San Bernardino.

On Friday, the Saudi prince joined those condemning Trump’s remarks, writing to Trump on Twitter: “You are a disgrace not only to the GOP but to all America.”

“Withdraw from the U.S presidential race as you will never win,” added bin Talal.

Trump fired back hours later in a tweet of his own, writing, “Dopey Prince @Alwaleed_Talal wants to control our U.S. politicians with daddy’s money. Can’t do it when I get elected. #Trump2016”.

Trump’s comments were widely condemned last week,  with White House press secretary Josh Earnest saying the proposal was "disqualifying".

Even Iranian President Hassan Rouhani weighed in on the controversy, saying Trump’s call to ban Muslims was hypocritical.

"Under the pretext of fighting terrorism, some people are proposing that Muslims should not be permitted to enter other countries. We regret such remarks about Muslims," he said in comments carried by Iranian state television.

"This is while they themselves are among the sponsors and supporters of terrorism ... and they are supporting terrorists,” charged Rouhani.

Trump was unapologetic, defending his comments on CNN and saying, "You're going to have many more World Trade Centers if you don't solve it (Muslim terror - ed.) - many, many more and probably beyond the World Trade Center."