Saudi Arabia Expels Five Iranian Diplomats, Gives Reasons

Saudi Arabia has expelled five Iranian diplomats, declaring them persona non grata and ordering them to leave the kingdom within 24 hours amid escalating tensions between the two regional powers.

In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision followed what it described as continued Iranian attacks targeting the kingdom’s sovereignty, infrastructure, and diplomatic premises.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has notified the military attaché… and three members of the mission staff that they must leave the country,” the ministry said.

Riyadh strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as violations of international law and established diplomatic norms. It added that the actions breached “the principles of good neighbourliness and respect for states’ sovereignty.”

The ministry further criticised Tehran’s conduct, saying the attacks contradict values Iran claims to uphold.
Such actions, it said, run against “the principles of Islamic brotherhood and the values and tenets of the Islamic faith.”

Saudi authorities warned that continued hostilities could worsen diplomatic relations, stressing that the kingdom “will not hesitate to take all necessary measures” to protect its security and national interests.

The expulsion marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Riyadh and Tehran, coming amid a broader wave of missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region that have strained already fragile diplomatic ties.