Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, has delivered a firm warning to Iran, stating that its assumptions regarding Gulf states are “wrong and dangerous,” amid rising regional tensions and continued attacks on civilian and economic targets.
Speaking at a press conference in Riyadh following a consultative meeting of Arab and Islamic foreign ministers, Prince Faisal emphasized that Gulf countries are not parties to the ongoing conflict, yet have been directly targeted. He stressed that Saudi Arabia and its regional partners will not yield to pressure or “blackmail,” warning that their restraint “is not without limits.”
The minister highlighted that Iranian attacks have included attempts to strike key infrastructure, including Saudi oil fields early in the conflict, which were successfully intercepted. He noted that the pattern and precision of these attacks indicate long-term strategic planning rather than reactive responses, suggesting they are embedded within Iran’s broader military doctrine.
Prince Faisal dismissed Tehran’s justifications for targeting neighboring countries, particularly claims that such actions are linked to US presence in the region. He stated that these arguments are “not convincing,” especially given that Gulf states had clearly communicated they would not allow their territories to be used for attacks against Iran.
The situation has been further complicated by disruptions to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor. The near توقف of shipping has contributed to rising oil and gas prices, fueling concerns over global economic stability and supply chains. Prince Faisal described any obstruction of navigation as “unjustifiable” and a form of political pressure affecting both energy and food security worldwide.
Saudi Arabia indicated that ongoing diplomatic efforts will be followed by concrete steps to safeguard freedom of navigation, including the possibility of seeking international intervention to ensure compliance.
The foreign minister concluded that trust with Iran has been deeply undermined, and rebuilding it will take considerable time, particularly if attacks on the region continue.
