RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has sharply criticised Iran’s recent actions toward Gulf nations, warning that Tehran’s behaviour risks triggering a wider regional escalation that could ultimately harm Iran the most.
In a statement on Monday, the Kingdom said Iran’s continued attacks and hostile rhetoric do not reflect wisdom or a genuine commitment to avoiding further conflict, stressing that such actions threaten regional security and stability.
Riyadh also reaffirmed its right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and the safety of its citizens and residents and to deter aggression.
“Iran’s current actions toward our countries do not reflect wisdom or serve the interest of avoiding a widening of escalation, in which Iran would be the greatest loser,” it said.
#Statement | The Foreign Ministry reiterates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s firm condemnation of the Iranian attacks against the Kingdom and the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as a number of Arab, Islamic, and friendly countries, which cannot be accepted or… pic.twitter.com/edsDAJnSnF
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) March 9, 2026
It added targeting civilian objects, airports, and oil facilities reflects nothing but threaten security and stability and to persist in blatantly violating international charters and international law.
The ministry said despite the statement by the President of Iran that there are no plans to attack neighbouring countries and that such a decision had been taken by the Leadership Council, the Kingdom stated that Iran’s actions on the ground have not reflected this position.
Saudi Arabia rejected Iran’s allegation that the Kingdom had allowed fighter jets and refuelling aircraft to launch from Saudi territory to participate in hostilities against Iran.
“The reality is that those aircraft are conducting air patrols to monitor and protect the airspace of the Kingdom and the GCC states from Iranian missiles and drones,” the ministry stated.
The Kingdom affirmed that the continued Iranian attacks represent further escalation, with significant implications for bilateral relations both now and in the future.
Saudi Air Defences destroy 3 missiles, 4 drones
Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s air defences intercepted and destroyed at least three ballistic missiles and four drones that entered the Kingdom’s airspace shortly after midnight on Monday, the Ministry of Defence said.
In a series of posts on X, the ministry stated that three ballistic missiles launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj were successfully intercepted and neutralised.
It added that two drones were shot down in the northern part of the capital, Riyadh, while another drone targeting the Shaybah oil field was intercepted over the Empty Quarter desert. A fourth drone was destroyed in the northern province of Al-Jouf.
