Saudi Arabia announced this Saturday the expulsion of several Iranian diplomats, in a move that reflects the sharp deterioration of bilateral relations amid the growing escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia reported that it declared the military attaché of the Iranian embassy, his assistant and three other members of the diplomatic staff “persona non grata”. According to the official statement, officials have 24 hours to leave the country.
The decision was taken after what the Saudi government described as “repeated Iranian attacks” against its territory and other Gulf countries. The authorities reported that these actions constitute a violation of international law, as well as of the principles of sovereignty and good neighbourliness
. The Saudi Arabian government declared Iranian diplomatic elements “unwelcome persons”
The announcement comes in the context of the regional conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which began in late February. Since then, Tehran has intensified the launch of missiles and drones against civilian targets in the region, including countries that host
US military installations.
According to official Saudi sources, the kingdom has been the target of hundreds of attacks since the start of the escalation, most of which were intercepted by its defense systems. However, some have impacted sensitive areas, including energy facilities in the east of the country and areas close to the capital,
Riyadh.
One of the most recent incidents occurred in the port of Yanbu, on the Red Sea, where there were interruptions in oil cargo following the fall of a drone near a refinery operated by Saudi Aramco and ExxonMobil. This port has become strategic for Saudi exports after Iran hampered maritime transit in the Strait of
Hormuz. Iran's bombing of ARAMCO facilities was the last straw for Saudi diplomacy
The Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, had indicated days ago that trust in Iran is “completely broken” and stated that his country will take all necessary measures to protect its
security.
In its statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry warned that Iranian attacks will have significant consequences for bilateral relations, both in the short and long term. He also stressed that these actions contradict previous agreements, including the process of rapprochement between the two countries initiated three years ago.
The measure taken by Saudi Arabia is in addition to the decision of Qatar, which days ago also expelled Iranian diplomats after attacks affecting energy facilities in its territory.
In the midst of this scenario, international criticism of Iran is growing for its role in the escalation of the conflict. Several analysts warn that their actions not only increase regional tension, but also jeopardize the stability of energy markets and global security
.
For the time being, there was no immediate official response from Tehran. Meanwhile, the situation continues to evolve, with the international community on alert to a possible deepening of the conflict in the region
. Saudi Arabia's foreign minister assured that trust with Iran is completely broken
