Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian attack, warns for consequences

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned Iranian missile attacks on United States military bases in the Gulf on Saturday and said it was ready to defend its fellow brotherly states as open conflict broke out in the Middle East.

Earlier in the day, the US and Israel jointly launched strikes on Iran that pushed the Middle East into renewed military confrontation and further dimmed hopes for a diplomatic solution to the West’s long-standing effort to denuclearise Iran, despite Tehran’s repeated assertions that it will not pursue nuclear weapons. In response, Iran targeted Israel and US bases in the Middle East. Explosions were reported in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.

In a statement, Saudi Arabia said it strongly condemned and denounced what it said was “blatant Iranian aggression and a flagrant violation of the sovereignty” of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan.

“The kingdom affirms its full solidarity with and unwavering support for the brotherly countries, and its readiness to place all its capabilities at their disposal in support of any measures they may undertake.”

Saudi Arabia also warned of serious consequences stemming from continued violations of national sovereignty and breaches of international law.

The kingdom later condemned attacks on its own areas of Riyadh and in the east, adding that they were repelled.

“These attacks cannot be justified under any pretext or in any way, and they came despite the Iranian authorities’ knowledge that the kingdom had affirmed it would not allow its airspace or territory to be used to target Iran. In light of this unjustified aggression, the kingdom affirms that it will take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its territory, citizens, and residents, including the option of responding to the aggression.”

Qatar’s foreign ministry also called the Iranian missile attack “unacceptable” and said it was a threat to regional peace and security.

Qatar also expressed deep condemnation of the violation of the sovereignty of Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain and Jordan, vowing to safeguard the sisterly states with all measures.

The UAE said the attacks were a clear breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the UAE’s full solidarity and unwavering support for the countries in the region affected by these attacks, emphasising that their security is indivisible and that any infringement on the sovereignty of any state constitutes a direct threat to the security and stability of the entire region.

“The UAE reaffirmed its categorical rejection of the use of the territories of regional states as arenas for settling disputes or expanding the scope of conflict, warning of the grave consequences of continued violations, which undermine regional and international security and threaten global economic stability and energy security.

“The UAE reiterated its call for restraint and a recourse to diplomatic solutions and serious dialogue, emphasising that this remains the most effective path to overcoming the current crisis and safeguarding regional security and stability,” said a statement from its foreign ministry.

It said the UAE retained its full and legitimate right to respond to the attacks in a manner that safeguarded its sovereignty, national security and territorial integrity, and ensured the safety of its citizens and residents, in accordance with international law.

“The UAE will not tolerate any compromise to its security or sovereignty under any circumstances.”

Kuwait’s foreign ministry also slammed the attacks, affirmed its full solidarity with the states that were subjected to the attack and its support for all measures to preserve their sovereignty, security, and stability.

“The ministry confirms that the defences of the State of Kuwait have successfully repelled this aggression in accordance with the adopted operational procedures and in compliance with the rules of engagement in force, adding that the continuation of these aggressive military actions witnessed in the region will undermine regional security and stability.”

The Saudi crown prince later made calls to the leaders of the Gulf states, affirming Saudi Arabia’s full solidarity with them and declaring its unwavering support and readiness to place all its resources at their disposal to counter the aggression, which he said undermined regional security and stability.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation also condemned the attacks by Iran and called for an end.