Saudi Arabia orders Iranian military attache, four embassy staff to leave
Why it matters: This expulsion marks a critical breakdown in Saudi-Iran relations, threatening wider regional instability and global energy markets.
- Saudi Arabia ordered the expulsion of Iran's military attaché and four embassy staff within 24 hours, citing ongoing Iranian attacks.
- Saudi authorities reported intercepting hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
- The Saudi Foreign Ministry warned of further escalation and "significant consequences" for future relations if Iranian attacks persist.
- Saudi Foreign Minister previously stated the kingdom reserved the right to act militarily against Iran, emphasizing that trust with Tehran had been shattered.
- The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and subsequent Iranian attacks on Gulf neighbors have disrupted West Asian oil and natural gas exports.
Saudi Arabia has expelled Iran's military attaché and four embassy staff, declaring them persona non grata due to "continued Iranian attacks" on Saudi territory, signaling a severe escalation in regional tensions. This move follows hundreds of intercepted Iranian missile and drone attacks since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began, shattering the diplomatic trust re-established between the two nations in 2023.
