The Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry announced on 21/3 that it had declared Iran's military attache, their assistant, and three embassy staff in Riyadh "persona non grata". Consequently, these individuals must depart Saudi Arabian territory within 24 hours.

The ministry's statement emphasized that Iran's ongoing attacks on Saudi Arabia's civilian infrastructure, economic interests, and diplomatic facilities "constitute a clear violation of international law".

Riyadh warned that further attacks by Tehran would escalate the situation, leading to "serious consequences" for the current and future relationship between the two nations.

This statement followed Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, saying earlier this week that trust in Iran had "eroded", while affirming his country's right to self-defense.

Black smoke rising in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 5/3 after an attack. *Reuters*

In retaliation for the US-Israeli attack campaign since 28/2, Iran has targeted US military assets in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, causing damage to civilian areas and energy infrastructure. The Middle East conflict has caused regional chaos and rattled global energy markets.

Saudi Arabia, the world's second-largest crude oil reserve holder, has faced hundreds of missile and drone attacks since the conflict erupted. Most were intercepted, but debris has fallen to the ground, exploding, causing fires and damage at multiple sites.

Energy facilities in eastern Saudi Arabia have also been continuously targeted by Iran. In the capital Riyadh, two drones attacked the US embassy earlier this month.

Relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran have historically been fraught, but the two countries began a reconciliation process brokered by China three years ago.

Location of Iran and other countries in the Middle East. *Guardian*

The Qatari Foreign Ministry on 19/3 also expelled Iran's military attache, security attache, and all staff working in these two departments of the Iranian embassy. According to the ministry, the decision followed "Iran's continuous and hostile attacks against Qatar, violating the country's sovereignty and security, and contravening international law, United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, and the principles of friendly neighborly relations".

Iran has not commented on these developments. It affirmed its intention to continue attacking US and Israeli targets, as well as countries supporting their campaign against Iran.

By Huyen Le / Al Jazeera, AFP