Key Points
- European leaders reaffirm strong support for Saudi Arabia amid rising tensions
- Saudi Arabia intercepts over 630 drones and 50+ missiles
- Iran-linked attacks escalate following US-Israeli strikes inside Iran
- France, Belgium, and Netherlands call for stability and de-escalation
- Concerns grow over regional security and global energy routes
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman held separate telephone conversations on Tuesday with key European leaders, as international support for the Kingdom grows amid ongoing missile and drone attacks attributed to Iran.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Netherlands Prime Minister Rob Jetten reaffirmed his country’s support for Saudi Arabia, condemning the repeated assaults as a serious threat to regional stability. The two leaders also reviewed recent developments in the region and discussed their broader implications for global security.
In a separate call earlier the same day, Belgium’s King Philippe conveyed the solidarity of both his government and citizens with Saudi Arabia. He expressed support for the Kingdom’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and ensure national security in the face of escalating threats.
These conversations follow a similar call on Monday between Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron reiterated France’s firm backing of Saudi Arabia, strongly condemned the continued attacks, and warned of the potential for dangerous escalation in the region.
He also stressed the importance of protecting critical energy infrastructure and urged Iran to maintain uninterrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The surge in diplomatic engagement comes as Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf states confront sustained aerial attacks.
The strikes are reportedly part of Iran’s response to joint US-Israeli operations targeting sites within Iran since February 28, led by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense reported that, as of early Tuesday, its forces had successfully intercepted and destroyed more than 630 drones and over 50 missiles, highlighting the scale of the ongoing threat.
European support and strategic ties
Saudi Arabia’s relations with both Belgium and the Netherlands remain robust, built on strong economic and strategic cooperation.
Belgium plays a critical role as a European hub for Saudi petrochemical exports, particularly through the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Belgian firms are also actively involved in major Saudi projects, including infrastructure, engineering, and water management initiatives aligned with Vision 2030.
Similarly, the Netherlands maintains close collaboration with the Kingdom in areas such as renewable energy, logistics, water systems, and advanced engineering.
These partnerships support Saudi Arabia’s efforts toward economic diversification and sustainable growth.
While neither Belgium nor the Netherlands participates directly in regional military operations, both countries have consistently advocated for diplomatic solutions and de-escalation.
Their recent outreach underscores continued European alignment with Saudi Arabia during a period of heightened geopolitical tension.
