Saudi Arabia has warned Iran that it will retaliate in the event of an attack on its territory or energy infrastructure, while stating that it favors a diplomatic solution to the conflict between Tehran and the United States and their allies. This message was conveyed to Iranian authorities by Saudi officials, according to several sources close to the matter.
According to these sources, Riyadh made it clear to Tehran that continued attacks targeting the kingdom or its energy sector could lead to reprisals. This warning comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, as the conflict involving Iran has escalated in recent weeks.
The Saudi message was delivered ahead of a speech Saturday by Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, in which he apologized to neighboring Gulf states for Iran's actions. This statement appeared to be an attempt to allay regional concerns following Iranian airstrikes that hit some civilian targets.
Two days earlier, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchi, to outline the kingdom's position. According to the sources cited, Riyadh remains open to any mediation that could reduce tensions and pave the way for a negotiated solution.
Saudi authorities also stressed that neither Saudi Arabia nor the other Gulf states had authorized the United States to use their territory or airspace to launch strikes against Iran.
However, according to these same sources, the Saudi foreign minister reportedly warned that if Iranian attacks against the kingdom's energy facilities continued, Riyadh might allow US forces to use their military bases on Saudi soil to conduct operations.
Since the start of the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran on February 28, diplomatic contacts between Riyadh and Tehran have continued through the Saudi ambassador to Iran. The kingdom's stated objective is to avoid regional escalation while protecting its strategic and energy interests.
