Saudi Arabia has expelled five Iranian diplomats, giving them 24 hours to leave the country.
The development comes amid escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, with Saudi authorities saying it has faced repeated attacks on civilian locations and energy facilities lately, reports AFP.
According to a statement by the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the affected officials include Iran’s military attaché, assistant military attaché and three other embassy staff.
The Saudi government said the decision followed continued attacks carried out by Iran on its territory.
Noting that the actions contradict Islamic brotherhood, Saudi said the attacks could further damage relations between the two countries.
It described the attacks as a violation of international conventions and respect for state sovereignty, warning that the situation could have significant bilateral consequences
“They also violate the Beijing Agreement, UN Security Council Resolution No. 2817, and contradict Islamic brotherhood and the values and principles of the Islamic religion that the Iranian side constantly speaks of, confirming that these are merely words not reflected by actions,” the Ministry added.
Earlier this month, the United States Embassy in Riyadh was struck by two drones, an attack attributed to Iran.
Saudi officials said the unmanned aerial vehicles hit the diplomatic compound in the capital’s Diplomatic Quarter, causing a limited fire and structural damage.
