After Missile Barrage on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Expels Iranian Diplomats

Saudi Arabia announced Sunday that it is expelling Iran’s military attaché and additional embassy staff, alleging indirect involvement in the wave of Iranian attacks on Gulf states. The Saudi Foreign Ministry said the attaché, his aide, and three other staffers were ordered to leave the country within 24 hours after being declared "persona non grata".

The move follows a large-scale Iranian assault that included ballistic missiles fired at the capital, Riyadh, alongside drones launched toward the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Countries in the region reported successful interceptions by air-defense systems, while Saudi Arabia warned of the possibility of further escalation.

In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said Tehran’s ongoing attacks are a "blatant violation" of international conventions and contradict the "principles of Islamic brotherhood." Shortly after the expulsion was announced, the Saudi Defense Ministry detected three ballistic missiles fired toward Riyadh—one was intercepted, and two fell in open areas.

In the United Arab Emirates, authorities reported that air defenses intercepted at least eight drones and three ballistic missiles. Kuwait reported the downing of nine ballistic missiles over the past 24 hours, while Bahrain announced the interception of two drones.

According to Middle East Eye, U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have held regular phone calls for the past three weeks. The report also says the United Arab Emirates has been signaling to Washington that it is prepared for a prolonged war and is not pressing for a quick end to the fighting. According to one source, Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed told U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Abu Dhabi is ready for a confrontation that could last up to nine months.