Saudi Arabia has expelled five Iranian diplomats, ordering them to leave within 24 hours, in a sharp escalation of tensions between the two regional powers.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Saudi foreign ministry declared the officials persona non grata, including Iran’s military attaché, his assistant, and three embassy staff. The move followed what Riyadh described as continued missile and drone attacks on its territory.
In a strongly worded statement, the kingdom said the attacks constitute “a flagrant violation of all relevant international conventions” and undermine principles of good neighbourliness and state sovereignty. It further stated that such actions “contradict Islamic brotherhood and the values and principles of the Islamic religion,” warning of serious consequences for diplomatic relations.
Saudi authorities noted that the attacks intensified amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran, with the kingdom reportedly intercepting multiple missiles and drones targeting its territory.
The development adds to growing instability in the Middle East, with reports indicating that the expulsion is part of broader retaliatory measures as trust between Riyadh and Tehran continues to deteriorate.
Saudi Arabia and Iran had only recently restored diplomatic ties in 2023 after years of hostility, but the latest crisis signals a renewed strain that could further impact regional security and global energy markets.
