Saudi Arabia reaffirms no change in stance on regional escalation

RIYADH – A senior Saudi official on Saturday strongly denied some media reports about a change in Saudi Arabia’s stance on the escalating situation in the region.

In an interview with Asharq al-Awsat newspaper, the official reaffirmed that such reports were inaccurate. “Saudi Arabia supports efforts aimed at peacefully resolving all disputes between the United States and Iran through dialogue and diplomatic means,” it said, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s refusal to use its airspace or territory in any military action against Iran.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian last week that Saudi Arabia would not allow its airspace or territory to be used for any military attack against Iran. In the telephone conversation, the crown prince reiterated Saudi Arabia’s position of respecting Iran’s sovereignty and said that Saudi Arabia will not allow the use of its airspace or territory for any military action or attack from any side against Iran, regardless of destination.

The United States has threatened to attack Iran in recent weeks following Iran’s brutal crackdown on anti-government protests across the country. President Donald Trump also ordered the deployment of an aircraft carrier and additional military assets to the region in preparation for a potential attack.