Saudi Arabia warns Iran over escalation
Riyadh says it may act militarily to defend energy infrastructure
Saudi Arabia warned it reserves the right to take military action against Iran as tensions across the Persian Gulf intensified following a series of strikes and retaliatory attacks. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud condemned what he described as Iran’s refusal to engage in diplomacy and its use of pressure and proxy forces against neighbouring states, saying the kingdom will not “succumb to pressure” and that military options remain on the table if Tehran’s behaviour continues.
The warning followed Iran’s accusation that Israel struck facilities in the vast South Pars gas field, an attack Iran said escalated an already broad U.S.-Israeli campaign. Iran vowed retaliation on energy-sector targets across the Persian Gulf and has launched missile and drone strikes that reportedly struck or threatened countries including Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Saudi officials said Iranian actions have “completely shattered” trust, and voiced concern that further attacks would leave little prospect for renewed confidence or dialogue.
Saudi statements accused Iran of premeditated hostile acts and framed any response as self-defense to protect territory and critical energy infrastructure.
The escalation has already affected markets, pushing oil and gas prices higher amid fears of disruptions to Persian Gulf supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
