Riyadh: On the 23rd day of the escalating conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, Saudi Arabia has taken a significant diplomatic step against Tehran. The Saudi government has declared several senior officials and staff members of the Iranian embassy 'persona non grata'. According to the official directive, these individuals have been ordered to leave the Kingdom within 24 hours. This move comes amid heightened military activity in the Gulf region and perceived threats to Saudi Arabia's national sovereignty.
Official Directive from the Saudi Foreign Ministry
According to a formal statement released by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, the expulsion includes Iran's military attaché, his assistant, and three other embassy staff members. The ministry clarified that the activities of these officials were found to be inconsistent with diplomatic protocols. As reported by Al Jazeera, the Saudi administration has communicated this decision to the Iranian embassy, emphasizing the mandatory departure within the stipulated timeframe.
Violations of International Treaties and Sovereignty
The Saudi Foreign Ministry characterized Iran's recent actions as a clear violation of international law. The statement noted that Iranian activities in the Gulf region contravene the 'Beijing Agreement', UN Security Council Resolution 2817, and the principles of good neighborliness. Saudi Arabia asserted that these actions not only undermine state sovereignty but also violate the values of Islamic brotherhood that form the basis of bilateral relations between the two nations.
Attack on Yanbu Port and Security Concerns
A primary catalyst for this diplomatic escalation is the recent drone attack on the Yanbu port, a critical oil export hub for Saudi Arabia. According to officials, attacks targeting Saudi energy infrastructure have raised serious security concerns. Saudi Arabia has warned that it won't hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect its security and territory, while this development adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing Middle East conflict, where tensions between Iran and the US-Israel alliance remain at a peak.
Regional Precedent and Qatar's Earlier Action
Saudi Arabia is the second regional power to take such drastic diplomatic measures following the start of the current conflict. Previously, on March 18-19, Qatar declared the Iranian military and security attaché persona non grata. Qatar's decision followed a major attack on the Ras Laffan gas facility, which Doha described as a 'dangerous violation' of its sovereignty. The alignment of Saudi Arabia and Qatar in these actions reflects growing discontent within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regarding Iran's regional military posture.
Impact on Diplomatic Relations and Beijing Agreement
The 2023 'Beijing Agreement', mediated by China, had initially signaled a period of rapprochement between Riyadh and Tehran. However, the recent military escalations and the subsequent expulsion of diplomats have cast a shadow over the future of this agreement. The Saudi Foreign Ministry indicated that continued aggression from Iran is having a profound impact on the stability of bilateral ties, while currently, increased threats near the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on regional infrastructure have placed the entire Gulf region on high security alert.