In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry said the targeting of Saudi sovereignty, civilian infrastructure, diplomatic missions and economic interests constituted a breach of international norms. It added that the actions violated the Beijing Agreement and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), as well as principles governing state sovereignty and good neighborly relations.

Saudi authorities notified the Iranian embassy that its military attaché, assistant military attaché and three additional staff members had been declared persona non grata and must leave the Kingdom within 24 hours, according to the statement.

The ministry reiterated a previous warning issued on March 9 that continued attacks would represent further escalation and have a “profound impact” on bilateral relations. It also restated the Kingdom’s “categorical condemnation” of Iranian actions against Saudi Arabia, Gulf Cooperation Council states and other Arab and Islamic countries.

Saudi Arabia said it would take all necessary measures to safeguard its security and sovereignty, invoking its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter. The statement framed the expulsions as part of a broader response to what it described as repeated violations affecting civilian and strategic targets.

The ministry did not provide additional operational details on the alleged attacks but linked them to a pattern of actions undermining regional stability and diplomatic commitments.

The move comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, with Saudi Arabia warning that continued escalation could have serious consequences for regional relations. The reference to the Beijing Agreement underscores the strain on recent diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing ties between the two countries.

Saudi Arabia’s statement did not indicate any immediate diplomatic follow-up beyond the expulsions but emphasized that further actions would depend on developments on the ground.

China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Washington should “speak and act cautiously” on Taiwan and “correct their understanding of China,” responding to questions about the U.S. report during a regular press briefing in Beijing.

Lin reiterated Beijing’s position on Taiwan, which it considers part of its territory, and called on the United States to avoid actions or rhetoric that could escalate tensions. The Taiwan issue remains one of the most contentious points in U.S.-China relations, with Washington maintaining unofficial ties and providing defensive support to the self-ruled island.

The U.S. intelligence report, referenced in the exchange, assessed that China does not have plans to launch an invasion of Taiwan in the coming year, offering a near-term outlook that contrasts with broader concerns in Washington over Beijing’s long-term military intentions.

The remarks underscore ongoing friction between the world’s two largest economies over security perceptions and strategic competition. U.S. officials have repeatedly warned about China’s growing military capabilities and assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, while Beijing has accused Washington of exaggerating threats to justify its regional posture.

Lin said the United States should align its statements and actions more carefully on Taiwan, signaling Beijing’s continued sensitivity to external commentary on the matter.

China’s response reflects its consistent opposition to what it describes as the “China threat theory,” a narrative Beijing says mischaracterizes its intentions. Lin said the United States should align its statements with what China views as a more accurate understanding of its policies.

The exchange highlights the sensitivity surrounding Taiwan, which remains a central point of contention in relations between China and the United States, particularly in the context of security assessments and diplomatic signaling.

Public statements tied to intelligence findings often carry broader geopolitical implications, shaping perceptions among regional actors and influencing diplomatic engagement.

The latest comments underscore how both sides continue to manage competing narratives while maintaining firm positions on sovereignty and security concerns.

Araqchi made the remarks during separate phone calls with his counterparts in Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan, where he stressed the need for a unified regional approach to counter rising tensions.

He said the recent actions by Washington and Tel Aviv were aimed at escalating instability and undermining regional security.

In the reported conversations, Araqchi emphasised that cooperation among neighbouring states was essential to prevent further deterioration in the security environment. Iranian state media cited him as warning that unchecked escalation could have broader implications for regional stability.

The outreach reflects Tehran’s effort to consolidate diplomatic backing among key regional actors at a time of heightened geopolitical strain.

Araqchi said that recent U.S. and Israeli actions had targeted Iranian infrastructure, characterising them as deliberate attempts to provoke confrontation. He did not specify the nature or extent of the damage in the statements carried by state media.There has been no immediate response from U.S. or Israeli officials to the claims.

Iran would continue to defend its sovereignty and security with all available means, Araqchi said, according to the report, signalling Tehran’s readiness to respond to what it views as external threats.

The remarks come amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, where rivalries involving Iran, the United States and Israel have periodically intensified, raising concerns about broader regional fallout.