Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh

Riyadh, Mar 8: Saudi Arabia has warned Iran against carrying out attacks on the kingdom, saying continued strikes on its territory or energy infrastructure could trigger retaliation, according to sources familiar with the matter.

According to a Reuters report, Riyadh conveyed the message to Iran’s leadership shortly before Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a televised address apologising to neighbouring Gulf states for Tehran’s actions during the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel that began on February 28.

Two days earlier, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud held talks with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi and outlined Riyadh’s position, the report said.

During the discussion, Prince Faisal stressed that Saudi Arabia supports efforts aimed at de-escalation and a negotiated settlement to the conflict between Iran and the United States. He also underlined that neither Saudi Arabia nor other Gulf states had allowed US forces to use their airspace or territory to launch airstrikes against Iran.

However, the Saudi minister warned that if Iranian attacks continued against Saudi territory or its energy infrastructure, Riyadh could be compelled to allow US forces to use military bases in the kingdom for operations, sources said. He also indicated that Saudi Arabia would retaliate if its critical energy facilities came under sustained attack.

The sources added that Riyadh has remained in regular contact with Tehran through its ambassador since the US and Israeli military campaign against Iran began following the collapse of talks over Iran’s nuclear programme.

The foreign ministries of Saudi Arabia and Iran did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, several Gulf countries including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain have faced heavy drone and missile attacks from Iran over the past week amid the escalating regional conflict.