Riyadh, Mar 22 (V7N) – Saudi Arabia has expelled an Iranian military officer along with four embassy staff members following a recent drone attack, escalating tensions between the two regional powers.

According to a statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, the individuals were ordered to leave the kingdom within 24 hours.

The move comes in the wake of an alleged drone strike by Iran targeting Yanbu, an area near Saudi Arabia’s key oil export facilities. Riyadh has strongly condemned the attack, warning that continued aggression would further damage bilateral relations.

Saudi authorities cautioned that any repetition of such incidents could have serious consequences for both current and future diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Reports indicate that Tehran has allegedly launched more than a hundred missiles and drones targeting various installations within Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. In a related development, two drones reportedly struck areas near the United States Embassy in Saudi Arabia, raising further concerns over regional security.

The latest developments signal a sharp deterioration in relations, as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East amid ongoing conflicts and retaliatory actions.

END/SMA/AJ