Riyadh, March 8 (Alliance News): Saudi Arabia has warned Tehran that while Riyadh favors a diplomatic settlement to Iran’s conflict with the United States, continued attacks on the kingdom and its energy infrastructure could compel Saudi Arabia to respond militarily or allow US forces to use its bases, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The message was conveyed ahead of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s speech apologizing to neighbouring Gulf states for Tehran’s recent strikes, which targeted civilian areas.
Sources said Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to clearly outline Riyadh’s position.
Saudi Arabia is open to mediation and de‑escalation efforts, emphasizing that neither it nor other Gulf states have permitted US forces to use their territory or airspace for attacks on Iran.
However, Prince Faisal warned that persistent attacks on Saudi territory or energy facilities would trigger a response and could involve US military support.
The region has witnessed heavy drone and missile attacks from Iran, affecting the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.
Following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the conflict, Tehran struck Israel and Gulf states hosting US military bases, while Israel targeted Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Araqchi confirmed ongoing diplomatic contacts, with Saudi officials assuring Iran that its territory, airspace, and waters would not be used to strike Tehran. Pezeshkian’s apology included a pledge to suspend attacks on neighbouring countries unless Iran was directly attacked.
Despite the apology, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters stated US and Israeli bases across the region remain primary targets, underscoring divisions within Iran’s leadership over the conflict.
Iranian sources indicated military commanders favor continuing strikes against US interests, citing the use of Gulf bases and airspace.
US President Donald Trump claimed on social media that Iran “apologised and surrendered” to its Middle East neighbours, attributing the change to US and Israeli military pressure. Diplomatic efforts between Iran and Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, which had seen improvement in recent years, have now been undermined by the recent surge of missile and drone attacks.
