Iran has, quite simply, pushed the Gulf to a breaking point. Across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and beyond, there is a growing sense not just of concern, but of outright fury. Weeks of sustained missile and drone barrages—targeting cities, infrastructure, and even civilians —have transformed what was once a manageable rivalry into something far more direct and dangerous.

Hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones have been fired at Gulf states, with air defenses working overtime to shoot them down. Even when interceptions are successful, debris has landed in populated areas, leading to casualties and damage. This stark reality highlights that these strikes are striking at the very heart of sovereignty. In capitals across the Gulf, the atmosphere has shifted dramatically—from cautious patience to a much tougher stance, leaving behind any sense of passivity.

Iran has launched a total of 4,911 missiles and drones at Gulf states since the war began on February 28, compared with 850 at Israel, according to an Al Arabiya tally. The tally shows Iran has fired 1,119 missiles and 3,792 drones at Gulf countries. By contrast, Iran has… pic.twitter.com/aE63ACFULg — Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) March 21, 2026

Iran has launched a total of 4,911 missiles and drones at Gulf states since the war began on February 28, compared with 850 at Israel, according to an Al Arabiya tally.

The tally shows Iran has fired 1,119 missiles and 3,792 drones at Gulf countries.

By contrast, Iran has… pic.twitter.com/aE63ACFULg

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) March 21, 2026

https://t.co/yVMa2xE1nV — Sofia Afonso Ferreira (@sofiafonsoferre) March 21, 2026

https://t.co/yVMa2xE1nV

— Sofia Afonso Ferreira (@sofiafonsoferre) March 21, 2026

Saudi Arabia has informed Iran’s military attaché, along with his assistant and three embassy staff members, that they must leave the kingdom within 24 hours after being declared persona non grata. This announcement came from the Saudi foreign ministry on Saturday, which pointed to ongoing Iranian attacks on Saudi territory as the reason behind this decision.

The expulsion of Iranian diplomatic personnel marks a significant shift in the Gulf region—indicating a departure from the long-held approach of restraint in the face of ongoing provocations. What Saudi Arabia has done goes beyond just a diplomatic move; it’s a clear declaration of intent. The message is unmistakable: the rules of engagement with Iran are being fundamentally changed.

Saudi Arabia announced the expulsion of Iranian military attachés and embassy staff, declaring them persona non grata and ordering them to leave the Kingdom within 24 hours, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Saturday. https://t.co/vi2i1srTzH — Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) March 21, 2026

Saudi Arabia announced the expulsion of Iranian military attachés and embassy staff, declaring them persona non grata and ordering them to leave........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)