Saudi Arabia has ordered Iran’s military attache, his assistant and three embassy staff to leave the kingdom within 24 hours. The decision comes after repeated Iranian missile and drone strikes hit Saudi territory amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.
This bold diplomatic step signals a major breakdown in relations between the two former rivals who had worked to improve ties in recent years.
Diplomatic Expulsion Follows Repeated Iranian Strikes
Saudi officials declared the Iranian diplomats persona non grata on March 21. The foreign ministry cited hundreds of Iranian attacks on Saudi soil and other Gulf states since late February.
The kingdom says most incoming missiles and drones have been intercepted. Still some strikes caused damage to important sites. Energy facilities in the eastern province faced repeated targeting while areas near Riyadh also saw impacts.
The latest incident happened on March 19 when a drone struck near the SAMREF refinery in Yanbu on the Red Sea coast. This joint facility between Aramco and Exxon saw operations briefly disrupted. A ballistic missile aimed at the nearby Yanbu port was successfully intercepted. Oil loading activities faced short term halts before resuming.
Saudi authorities pointed to these incidents as clear evidence of Iranian aggression. The attacks targeted not just military sites but also locations hosting US assets in the region.
Attacks Hit Key Saudi Energy Sites and Capital
Iran launched its retaliation after US and Israeli strikes began on February 28. The Iranian response included waves of missiles and drones aimed at Gulf countries supporting or hosting American forces.
In Saudi Arabia reports confirmed strikes near the US embassy in Riyadh earlier this month. Two drones reportedly hit areas close to the compound. Eastern energy infrastructure suffered multiple attempts with some limited success despite strong air defenses.
The Yanbu port serves as a vital alternative export route for Saudi oil. Iranian actions have already disrupted tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz forcing more traffic to the Red Sea side. This shift makes facilities like Yanbu even more critical yet also more exposed.
Gulf states overall reported hundreds of Iranian projectiles. While defense systems performed well the psychological and economic impact remains heavy. Oil prices spiked on fears of wider supply disruptions.
Here are key impacts noted so far:
- Brief halts in oil loading at major ports
- Damage to refinery operations in multiple Gulf nations
- Heightened security alerts across the region
- Increased costs for air defenses and insurance
These events show how the broader conflict quickly spilled over to affect neutral or less involved countries.
Riyadh Says Trust With Tehran Is Completely Shattered
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke clearly about the situation. He stated that any remaining trust with Iran has been completely shattered by the attacks on Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries.
The foreign ministry issued a strong condemnation. It called the Iranian actions a flagrant violation of international conventions good neighbor principles and state sovereignty. Officials also said the strikes contradict the Beijing Agreement and Islamic values of brotherhood that Iran often claims to uphold.
Saudi Arabia emphasized it reserves the right to defend itself fully. The ministry warned that continued attacks will bring significant consequences for current and future bilateral relations.
This language marks a sharp shift from recent years when both sides had taken steps toward better cooperation. The expulsion follows a similar decision by Qatar which removed Iranian military and security attaches after strikes damaged the Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas facility.
Move Echoes Qatar Action and Raises Regional Fears
Qatar acted just days earlier after Iranian missiles caused major damage to its key energy hub. The coordinated responses from Gulf states suggest growing unity against Iranian retaliation tactics.
Experts watching the region note that these diplomatic expulsions stop short of full embassy closures. Yet they represent a clear signal of deteriorating trust and rising frustration among Gulf Cooperation Council members.
The risk of broader escalation worries many observers. Saudi Arabia hosts important US military assets and maintains strong defense partnerships. Any direct involvement could pull more players into the conflict and further disrupt global energy flows.
Oil markets reacted nervously to each new incident. Global supply concerns grew as attacks targeted production and export infrastructure across the Gulf. Analysts warn that prolonged instability could affect everything from fuel prices to international shipping routes.
Brief Thaw in Relations Now Faces Uncertain Future
Saudi Arabia and Iran restored diplomatic ties in 2023 through a China brokered agreement in Beijing. The deal ended years of hostility that dated back to 2016 when relations broke down completely.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the agreement as recently as December 2025. They spoke of strengthening good neighborly relations and respecting sovereignty through international frameworks.
The current war changed everything. Iranian strikes on Gulf targets transformed the conflict from a direct US Israel Iran confrontation into a wider regional crisis. Saudi officials now question Iran’s sincerity about peace and cooperation.
This expulsion does not mean the end of all contact. Embassies remain open for now. However the removal of military personnel removes a key channel for communication on sensitive security matters.
The situation leaves the region on edge. Gulf states must balance their desire to stay out of the main fight with the need to protect their territory and economic interests. International powers watch closely as any misstep could widen the conflict further.
As Saudi Arabia takes this firm stand the world sees once again how fragile stability remains in the Middle East. The attacks have not only damaged physical infrastructure but also torn apart recent diplomatic progress. Residents across the Gulf hope for de escalation before more lives and livelihoods face serious threats.
The coming days will show whether this expulsion leads to more diplomatic isolation for Iran or opens paths for urgent talks to calm the situation. For now the message from Riyadh is clear. Attacks on Saudi soil will not go unanswered.
