Saudi Arabia orders five Iranian diplomats to leave within 24 hours

2026-03-22 - 09:50

Saudi Arabia has taken swift diplomatic action against Tehran, declaring five Iranian embassy officials persona non grata and ordering them to leave the kingdom within 24 hours. The expelled personnel include Iran’s military attaché, his assistant, and three other staff members, according to a statement issued late Saturday by the Saudi Foreign Ministry. The ministry’s announcement cited recent Iranian attacks targeting Gulf Cooperation Council countries as the basis for the decision. Riyadh characterized the strikes as a “flagrant violation” of international conventions, the principles of good neighborliness, and respect for state sovereignty. The statement further noted that Iran’s actions contravene the Beijing Agreement, UN Security Council Resolution 2817, and the principles of Islamic brotherhood that Tehran frequently invokes, suggesting a disconnect between Iranian rhetoric and its actions on the ground. Saudi Arabia warned that the attacks would have a “profound” impact on bilateral relations, both in the immediate term and in the future. The kingdom reaffirmed its determination to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security, signaling that further steps could follow if the situation continues to deteriorate. The expulsion marks the second such diplomatic move by a Gulf state since hostilities began on Feb. 28. Earlier this week, Qatar expelled Iran’s military and security attachés following Iranian missile strikes that caused extensive damage to the Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas facility. The coordinated diplomatic response reflects growing frustration among Gulf monarchies over Iranian attacks targeting their territory amid the broader conflict that erupted after US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Tehran has responded with repeated drone and missile operations against Israel and Gulf nations hosting American military assets.