Saudi Arabia Expels Iranian Military Attaché, Aide, and Three Staff Members Within 24 Hours

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ordered the Iranian Military Attaché, his assistant, and three other members of the diplomatic mission to leave the country within 24 hours, declaring them persona non grata.

This decisive action follows the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterating Saudi Arabia's unequivocal condemnation of what it termed flagrant Iranian aggressions against the Kingdom, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, and several Arab and Islamic nations.

A statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry asserted that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s persistent targeting of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, civilian objectives, personnel, economic interests, and diplomatic facilities constitutes a blatant violation of all relevant international covenants, principles of good neighborliness, respect for state sovereignty, the Beijing Agreement, and UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026). The statement further noted that these actions contradict the Islamic brotherhood and religious values frequently espoused by the Iranian side, confirming a disparity between rhetoric and conduct.

The Ministry confirmed that this measure stems from its previous declaration on March 9, 2026, which warned that continuous Iranian assaults would lead to further escalation with significant repercussions for current and future bilateral relations.

Consequently, the Kingdom formally notified the Military Attaché, the Assistant Military Attaché, and the three specified mission staff members of their immediate requirement to depart Saudi territory within the stipulated twenty-four-hour timeframe.

The Kingdom emphasized its unwavering commitment to taking all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, preserve its security, and protect its territory, airspace, citizens, residents, assets, and interests, relying on Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.