Saudi Arabia has ordered five Iranian diplomats to leave within 24 hours following attacks on Gulf states, signalling a significant deterioration in Iran-Saudi relations and reflecting broader regional tensions linked to US-Israeli actions against Iran. The move underscores concerns over sovereignty and regional security.
International
-Swastika Sruti
Saudi Arabia has ordered five Iranian diplomats to leave within 24 hours, citing recent Iranian attacks on Gulf states, including Saudi territory. The decision, announced by the Saudi Foreign Ministry, marks a sharp escalation in already tense relations and comes amid ongoing US-Israeli military action against Iran.
Saudi Arabia expelled five Iranian diplomats on March 22, citing Iranian attacks on Gulf states as violations of international norms and threats to sovereignty, escalating regional tensions after US-Israeli strikes against Iran.
The ministry said the Iranian military attache, assistant attache and three other Embassy staff members were declared persona non grata. Saudi Arabia stated that the attacks would have a “profound” effect on relations, and stressed that the kingdom would adopt any steps required to protect national security and territorial sovereignty.
Saudi Arabia and Iran diplomatic tensions
In its statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry condemned Iranian strikes against Gulf Cooperation Council countries, highlighting attacks that targeted Saudi Arabia. The ministry said these actions were “a flagrant violation of all relevant international conventions, the principles of good neighborliness, and respect for state sovereignty.”
The statement added that the Iranian actions also breach “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,” underscoring deep political mistrust.
Saudi Arabia and Iran regional conflict
Saudi Arabia’s move makes it the second country to expel Iranian diplomats since the latest war began on Feb. 28. Earlier this week, Qatar removed Iran’s military and security attaches, blaming Iranian missiles for extensive damage at the Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas facility.
Hostilities intensified after US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran has since responded with repeated drone and missile attacks aimed at Israel, as well as Gulf countries that host US military assets, drawing the wider Gulf region into the confrontation.
Recent developments in the Saudi Arabia–Iran crisis, and related regional conflict, are summarised below.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Feb. 28 | US and Israeli strikes on Iran begin, triggering regional escalation. |
| Since Feb. 28 | Iran launches repeated drone and missile attacks on Israel and Gulf states hosting US forces. |
| Earlier this week | Qatar expels Iran’s military and security attaches after damage at Ras Laffan LNG facility. |
| March 22 | Saudi Arabia announces expulsion of five Iranian Embassy staff members within 24 hours. |
Reports by Anadolu Ajansi, carried by BERNAMA-ANADOLU, noted that Saudi Arabia framed the expulsions as part of a broader determination to defend sovereignty and security. Officials signalled that future ties with Iran would depend on changes in behaviour and respect for regional agreements and international resolutions.
