ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has firmly stated that Iran’s ongoing actions against the Kingdom and other Gulf states demonstrate a lack of wisdom and no genuine intent to prevent a wider regional conflict.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the statement on Monday, directly addressing recent developments in the escalating tensions between Iran and several Arab nations. According to reports from the Saudi Gazette, the ministry described Iran’s continued attacks as a dangerous escalation with potentially grave repercussions for both present and future bilateral and regional relations.
This criticism comes in the wake of Iranian missile and drone strikes that have targeted multiple Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries since late February 2026. These attacks followed the initiation of major US and Israeli military operations against Iran, which began after the collapse of negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Iran’s retaliatory campaign has affected sovereign territories across the region, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia itself. Strikes have reportedly damaged energy infrastructure, civilian sites, and other facilities, prompting widespread condemnation from affected states and their international partners.
The United States, along with Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, released a joint statement on March 1, 2026, strongly denouncing Iran’s indiscriminate and reckless missile and drone attacks. The statement highlighted violations of sovereignty, threats to civilian populations, and damage to infrastructure, affirming the signatories’ right to self-defence.
The GCC Ministerial Council, in an extraordinary meeting convened around the same time, expressed rejection and the strongest condemnation of what it termed heinous Iranian attacks on GCC members and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The council emphasized that such actions breach international law, the United Nations Charter, and principles of good neighbourliness, irrespective of any justifications offered by Tehran.
Saudi Arabia has pursued diplomatic channels amid the crisis. Reports indicate that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan engaged with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchi, to convey Riyadh’s position clearly. Sources familiar with the communications noted that while Saudi Arabia favours a negotiated diplomatic settlement to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, persistent attacks on Saudi territory or critical energy infrastructure could compel a response in kind.
In one instance, Riyadh reportedly warned that continued strikes might necessitate allowing US forces greater operational access from Saudi bases, a step that would mark a significant escalation. The Kingdom has maintained regular contact with Tehran through diplomatic representatives since the conflict intensified, underscoring efforts to contain the situation despite provocations.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the regional fallout in a public statement, apologising personally and on behalf of Iran to neighbouring countries affected by the attacks. He indicated that Tehran had no intention of targeting these states and suggested a suspension of such actions unless attacks on Iran originated from their territories. Pezeshkian described neighbouring nations as brothers and called for resolving differences internally while resisting external attempts to sow division.
However, the Saudi statement rejected these remarks outright. The ministry viewed Pezeshkian’s comments as unconvincing, arguing that Iran’s persistent military actions contradict any professed desire for de-escalation or peaceful coexistence. This dismissal reflects broader Gulf frustration with what is perceived as Tehran’s contradictory behaviour, combining verbal overtures with ongoing aggression.
The attacks have imposed severe economic and security burdens on Gulf states, disrupting energy markets, closing key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz at times, and causing panic in civilian areas. Infrastructure hits, including at major refineries and airports, have highlighted vulnerabilities in the region’s critical sectors.
Saudi Arabia’s response aligns with a pattern of measured yet firm diplomacy. The Kingdom has historically prioritised dialogue, as evidenced by the 2023 rapprochement with Iran brokered by China, which led to reopened embassies and reduced direct confrontations until the current crisis. Despite assurances from Riyadh that its territory would not be used against Iran, attacks persisted, deepening distrust.
Regional analysts note that Iran’s strategy appears aimed at raising costs for US and Israeli actions by targeting their allies, thereby pressuring for a halt to hostilities. Yet this approach has backfired in the Gulf, hardening resolve among GCC members to defend their sovereignty and seek collective security measures.
The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic backchannels active but military exchanges continuing. Saudi Arabia’s latest statement serves as a clear warning that further escalation risks irreversible damage to relations carefully rebuilt over recent years.
Gulf states, caught in the crossfire of a larger conflict not of their making, continue to call for restraint and adherence to international norms to avert a broader war with devastating implications for global energy security and stability.