Saudi Arabia expels Iranian diplomats

Riyadh has condemned Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on Gulf states hosting US bases

Saudi Arabia has expelled several Iranian diplomats, citing Iran’s strikes on its territory. The move comes after 12 Arab and Muslim countries, including those hosting US bases, denounced Iran’s retaliation for US-Israeli bombardment that began on February 28.

On Saturday, the Saudi Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as Iran’s “blatant and repeated attacks targeting Saudi Arabia” and other Gulf countries, accusing Tehran of violating international law and the “principles of good neighborliness.”

“Saudi Arabia has formally notified the Iranian military attaché, assistant military attaché, and three other embassy staff members to leave the kingdom within 24 hours,” the statement read, as quoted by the Saudi Gazette.

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“The kingdom will take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, territory, airspace, citizens, residents, and national interests, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter,” the ministry said, warning of “serious consequences” for diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The announcement follows a similar move by Qatar, which expelled Iranian military and security attachés, along with their staff, in response to a strike on a liquefied natural gas facility at Ras Laffan Industrial City, one of the world’s most important gas processing and export centers.

Iran targeted Ras Laffan in response to Israeli airstrikes on the South Pars gas field, which were also condemned by Gulf states. Iran has also repeatedly targeted Prince Sultan Air Base in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia, which hosts American troops.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was targeting US military sites in the region in self-defense. He also claimed that the United States had used UAE territory during the recent bombing of Iran’s Kharg Island.

Iranian officials have warned that retaliation will continue for as long as Arab states allow the US to use their territory for attacks on Iran. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier apologized to the Gulf states for Iranian missiles and drones striking civilian infrastructure.