Saudi Arabia declares Iran's military attaché and four other diplomats persona non grata

Riyadh (ANTARA) - Saudi Arabia has declared the military attaché of the Iranian embassy and four other embassy staff as persona non grata, and requested that they leave the country within 24 hours, according to a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday (21/3).

The decision was triggered by Iran’s attacks on various countries, including Saudi Arabia, the statement said, adding that the kingdom would not hesitate to take all necessary measures to preserve its sovereignty, protect its security, and safeguard its territory, airspace, citizens, residents, capabilities, and interests, in accordance with the UN Charter.

This development comes amid rising tensions following a joint United States (US)-Israel attack on Iran that began on 28 February, which was retaliated against by Iran and its regional allies with strikes on Israeli and US interests across the Middle East.