RIYADH -- Saudi Arabia declared the Iranian embassy's military attache and four other embassy staff personae non gratae, and asked them to leave the country within 24 hours, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said Saturday in a statement.

The decision was a result of the Iranian attacks against countries including Saudi Arabia, it said, adding that the country will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to preserve its sovereignty, safeguard its security, and protect its territory, airspace, citizens, residents, capabilities and interests, in accordance with the UN Charter.

The development came amid heightened tensions following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on Feb 28, to which Iran and its regional allies responded with attacks on Israeli and US interests across the Middle East.