Saudi Arabia, Qatar act as tensions with Iran escalate
March 22, 2026: Saudi Arabia has ordered Iran’s military attaché, his assistant, and three embassy staff members to leave the country within 24 hours after declaring them persona non grata. The decision comes amid rising tensions with Iran, with Riyadh accusing Tehran of repeated missile and drone attacks on its territory. The Saudi foreign ministry warned that continued aggression could have serious consequences for bilateral ties.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said the kingdom reserves the right to respond militarily, adding that recent developments have eroded trust. The move signals a sharp deterioration in relations that had only recently improved after both countries restored diplomatic ties in 2023 following years of regional rivalry. The ongoing US-Israeli campaign against Iran and Tehran’s retaliation across the Gulf have further intensified the situation, disrupting energy markets and supply chains.
In a similar step, Qatar also expelled Iranian military and security officials, citing violations of its sovereignty and repeated hostile actions. Doha warned that continued aggression would prompt further measures to safeguard national interests. The parallel actions by Gulf nations highlight the growing regional fallout of the escalating conflict.