Saudi Arabia says it has expelled five Iranian diplomatic staff, including Iran’s military attaché and his deputy, in a further worsening of relations with Tehran.

In a statement, Saudi authorities declare the officials persona non grata. Saudi officials say the decision is tied to what they describe as continuing missile and drone launches from Iran towards the kingdom.

Reporting from Riyadh, Resul Serdar Atas says warnings from the Saudi Ministry of Defence are now being issued almost hourly. According to the ministry, Saudi Arabia is currently facing an average of about 50 missile and drone attacks a day.

Saudi officials also say three or more long-range ballistic missiles were fired at Riyadh earlier this morning. They say one was intercepted, while the others landed in uninhabited areas.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry says the kingdom reserves the right to retaliate in self-defence. According to Atas, that language is increasingly being echoed by Gulf leaders as the regional stand-off hardens.

For now, any prospect of a diplomatic breakthrough appears to be fading. Atas says the latest escalation leaves reconciliation between Riyadh and Tehran looking increasingly unlikely.