Saudi Arabia has issued a direct warning to Iran for the first time amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, stating that any attack on the kingdom or its energy infrastructure would trigger a firm response.
According to a report by the Reuters news agency, Saudi officials have conveyed a message to Tehran that while Riyadh still prefers a diplomatic solution to the ongoing dispute between Iran and the United States, it will not tolerate threats to its national security or oil facilities.
The warning comes as regional tensions continue to rise following recent military developments involving the United States and Israel. Diplomatic sources said Gulf states have so far refrained from allowing the United States to use their airspace for operations against Iran.
However, the report suggests that Saudi Arabia could reconsider its position if attacks in the region continue. In such a scenario, Riyadh may allow American forces to use Saudi military bases for potential operations.
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Saudi officials emphasized that the kingdom is closely monitoring the situation and is working through diplomatic channels to avoid further escalation. Despite the strong warning, Riyadh is reportedly still encouraging dialogue and political solutions to prevent a broader conflict in the region.
Meanwhile, Iran has maintained that its actions are not directed at Gulf countries but rather at American military interests and installations in the Middle East. Iranian officials have repeatedly argued that the presence of US military bases in the region is a key factor behind rising tensions.
Tehran has also called for the closure of American military bases across the Middle East, claiming they contribute to instability and conflict.
The situation has become increasingly uncertain since the military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28. Since then, Saudi Arabia has reportedly remained in contact with Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels, attempting to communicate its concerns and prevent further escalation.
So far, neither Saudi Arabia nor Iran has issued an official public statement directly responding to the report, leaving the situation surrounded by uncertainty. Analysts warn that continued military actions or retaliatory measures could further destabilize the already fragile security environment in the Middle East.
Observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can prevent the crisis from turning into a wider regional confrontation.
