Iranian diplomats are expelled by Saudi Arabia

(SeaPRwire) –   Riyadh has denounced Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on Gulf nations that host US military facilities

Saudi Arabia has ordered a number of Iranian diplomats to leave the country, pointing to Iranian strikes on Saudi soil. This action follows condemnations from 12 Arab and Muslim nations, some of which host US bases, against Iran’s retaliation for US-Israeli strikes that commenced on February 28.

In a statement on Saturday, the Saudi Foreign Ministry criticized what it called Iran’s “blatant and repeated attacks targeting Saudi Arabia” and fellow Gulf states, charging Tehran with breaching international law and the “principles of good neighborliness.”

“Saudi Arabia has formally notified the Iranian military attaché, assistant military attaché, and three other embassy staff members to leave the kingdom within 24 hours,” the statement said, according to a report by the Saudi Gazette.

“The kingdom will take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, territory, airspace, citizens, residents, and national interests, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter,” the ministry added, cautioning of “serious consequences” for bilateral diplomatic ties.

This declaration comes after Qatar took comparable steps, expelling Iranian military and security attachés and their personnel in reaction to an attack on a liquefied natural gas plant at Ras Laffan Industrial City, a major global hub for gas processing and exports.

Iran aimed at Ras Laffan as a countermeasure to Israeli airstrikes on the South Pars gas field, which Gulf states also denounced. Iran has also frequently struck the Prince Sultan Air Base in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia, where US forces are stationed.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran’s actions against US military locations in the area were defensive. He further alleged that the United States utilized UAE territory in the recent bombardment of Iran’s Kharg Island.

Officials from Iran have cautioned that their retaliatory actions will persist as long as Arab countries permit the US to use their lands for assaults on Iran. President Masoud Pezeshkian previously expressed regret to Gulf states for Iranian missiles and drones hitting civilian infrastructure.