Saudi Arabia reserves right to military action vs Iran, foreign minister says
Ikinatwiran ng Saudi Arabia na may karapatan silang gumamit ng puwersang militar laban sa Iran, kasunod ng pagtarget ng ballistic missiles ng Iran sa Riyadh. Anila, wala nang tiwala ang Saudi sa Tehran.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated on March 19, 2026 that the kingdom reserves the right to take military action against Iran if deemed necessary. This warning came in response to Iranian missile and drone attacks on Saudi targets amid the ongoing 2026 Iran war that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026. The Saudi cabinet condemned these attacks as violations of international law aimed at destabilizing the region.
Iranian forces have conducted multiple retaliatory strikes on Saudi locations since the conflict escalated, targeting two Riyadh refineries, Eastern Province oil fields, Prince Sultan Air Base, and the Shaybah oil field. Saudi forces intercepted numerous missiles and drones on dates including March 1, 9, and 18, 2026. The foreign ministry cautioned Iran of severe diplomatic, economic, and strategic consequences for these attacks.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, alongside UAE leadership, warned of potential regional escalation from continued attacks. Despite the military threats, Saudi Arabia has simultaneously intensified backchannel diplomacy with Iran via security agencies and the Iranian ambassador in Riyadh, urging de-escalation and affirming that Saudi territory is not being used for US or Israeli strikes against Iran.
The Gulf Cooperation Council, including Saudi Arabia, affirmed members' rights to self-defense individually or collectively. Saudi officials have expressed low confidence in halting the conflict through diplomatic means alone, even as they pursue engagement with Tehran to contain the wider Middle East war that is causing regional havoc and stressing global security.
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