Saudi Arabia today expelled Iran’s military attache, his assistant, and three embassy staff members after declaring them persona non grata amid missiles and drone attacks.
The Saudi foreign ministry said the decision followed what it described as continued Iranian attacks on Saudi territory, escalating tensions between the two regional powers.
Authorities stated that Saudi Arabia has faced hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. However, they added that defense systems intercepted the vast majority of incoming threats, limiting damage. Nevertheless, officials warned that persistent attacks pose serious risks to national security and regional stability.
Moreover, the foreign ministry cautioned that continued aggression could trigger further escalation and carry significant consequences for both current and future diplomatic relations. The statement reflected growing frustration in Riyadh over repeated security incidents linked to Tehran.
Earlier this week, the Saudi foreign minister emphasized that the kingdom reserves the right to respond militarily if necessary. He also noted that recent attacks have shattered any remaining trust between Saudi Arabia and Iran, undermining earlier diplomatic progress.
Notably, both countries had restored diplomatic ties in 2023 in an effort to ease years of hostility. Previously, they supported opposing political and military factions across the Middle East, deepening regional divisions. However, recent developments have reversed much of that progress.
Meanwhile, the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory actions against Gulf neighbors have disrupted global energy markets. Consequently, oil and natural gas exports from the region have suffered interruptions, forcing production halts and raising concerns about supply stability worldwide.
