Saudi Arabia has ordered five Iranian diplomats to leave the kingdom within 24 hours, declaring them persona non grata.
Saudi Foreign Ministry in a statement on Saturday said the affected officials included Iran’s military attaché, assistant military attaché and three other embassy staff.
The ministry said the decision followed the continued attacks by Iran on Saudi territory, warning that such actions could further strain bilateral relations.
Saudi authorities noted that the attacks constitute “a flagrant violation of all relevant international conventions, the principles of good neighbourliness, and respect for state sovereignty.
“They also violate the Beijing Agreement, UN Security Council Resolution No. 2817, and contradict Islamic brotherhood and the values and principles of the Islamic religion that the Iranian side constantly speaks of, confirming that these are merely words not reflected by actions.”
The kingdom said the situation could have “significant consequences” for present and future relations between the two countries, noting that the kingdom had come under missile and drone attacks since the war by the United States and Israel against Iran.
With the latest development, Saudi Arabia becomes the second country to expel Iranian officials since the conflict escalated, after Qatar took a similar action last week.
The conflict, which intensified following coordinated strikes on Iran in late February, has disrupted oil and gas exports across the region and heightened security concerns in Gulf countries hosting US military assets.
