Saudi Arabia expels Iranian military attachés, diplomats

Saudi Arabia on Saturday expelled Iranian military attachés and three other embassy staff, declaring them persona non grata over the Islamic Republic’s sustained attacks on the kingdom.

In a statement by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia ordered Iranian military attachés and diplomats to leave the Kingdom within 24 hours.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has notified the military attaché of the embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Kingdom, the assistant military attaché, and three members of the mission staff that they are persona non grata and must leave the Kingdom within 24 hours,” the statement reads.

It added, “The Kingdom affirms that it will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to preserve its sovereignty, safeguard its security, and protect its territory, airspace, citizens, residents, assets, and interests, in accordance with Article (51) of the Charter of the United Nations.”

Saudi Arabia condemned the Iranian attacks against the Kingdom, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and a number of Arab and Islamic states.

Iran has fired several missiles at Saudi Arabia since February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched “Operation Epic Fury”, killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and about 40 top regime officials.