The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declared a military attaché from Iran, along with his assistant and three embassy staff members, as persona non grata, requiring them to leave the country within 24 hours.
This decision comes in response to ongoing Iranian attacks targeting the kingdom. Authorities report that since the commencement of U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran, Saudi Arabia has faced numerous missile and drone strikes, most of which have been intercepted.
The ministry warned that continued Iranian aggression could lead to further escalation and significant repercussions for both current and future relations.
Recently, the Saudi Foreign Minister stated that Riyadh reserves the right to take military action against Iran, asserting that any trust in Tehran has been shattered following recent assaults.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia and Iran had restored diplomatic ties in an effort to reduce tensions after a prolonged period of hostility, during which both nations supported opposing political and military factions in the region.
On March 19, the SAMREF oil refinery operated by Saudi Aramco in Yanbu was targeted in an aerial attack amid rising tensions in the Middle East following strikes on energy facilities in Qatar and the UAE.
On March 3, the U.S. embassy in Riyadh was attacked by two drones, believed to be Iranian, causing minor damage and a small fire. The U.S. embassy had previously advised American citizens to leave Saudi Arabia due to increased threats of missile and drone strikes, recommending that those who remain prepare for possible sheltering.
In a related context, on February 28, Israel launched an attack on Tehran, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to announce a significant military operation against Iran aimed at neutralizing perceived threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iran of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for launching missiles and drones towards Israel and attacking U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
In light of the U.S. military actions against Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for providing Iranians a chance to rid themselves of what he termed a ‘terrorist regime’ and to ensure safety for all nations affected by Iranian attacks.
On February 28, Trump announced the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Following this, the IRGC declared the initiation of a ‘devastating offensive operation’ against Israel and U.S. bases.
Trump warned Iran against pursuing these plans, threatening a strong retaliatory response. On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of military operations against Iran would be even more destructive.
On March 6, Trump emphasized the need for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, suggesting he had candidates in mind for a ‘good leader.’ On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts selected Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the slain ayatollah, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Trump declined to comment on this selection, stating only, ‘We’ll see what happens.’ He had previously remarked that the new Iranian leader would not last long without White House approval.
Saudi Arabia has expelled Iranian diplomats in response to ongoing attacks from Iran, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. This follows a series of military actions and threats involving both nations and their allies.
Source: Reuters