Saudi Arabia Gives Iranian Embassy Officials 24-Hour Deadline To Exit Amid Rising Tensions

Saudi Arabia has ordered the immediate expulsion of five Iranian embassy officials, including the military attaché and assistant military attaché, directing them to leave the Kingdom within 24 hours amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region.

According to Ireporter Online, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the decision early Sunday, condemning Iran’s continued strikes on Gulf states as a “flagrant violation” of international conventions and a contradiction of the principles of Islamic brotherhood. The ministry cautioned against further escalation, emphasizing the Kingdom’s firm stance on protecting its sovereignty and regional stability.

In an official statement, the ministry confirmed that the affected Iranian officials had been declared persona non grata, effectively revoking their diplomatic status and requiring their immediate departure from the country.

Reports indicate that shortly after the announcement, Saudi Arabia’s defence authorities intercepted three ballistic missiles reportedly launched toward the capital, Riyadh, heightening concerns over the growing security threat.

The development marks a sharp deterioration in diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Tehran, as tensions across the Middle East continue to intensify. The crisis comes as the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel enters its fourth week, with Gulf nations increasingly impacted despite not being direct participants.

Several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, have recently faced missile and drone attacks attributed to Iran, raising fears of a broader regional spillover.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Tehran, threatening to target Iranian power infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within 48 hours, further escalating the already volatile situation.

Analysts suggest that Saudi Arabia’s decisive move reflects mounting frustration among Gulf states, which have found themselves caught in the crossfire of a widening regional conflict.