Saudi Arabia Warns Iran of Reciprocal Response if Attacks Continue

Saudi Arabia has warned Iran to refrain from attacking the kingdom, stating it may respond reciprocally if such attacks persist. Four informed sources told Reuters that Riyadh supports diplomatic resolution of tensions between Iran and the United States.

The message preceded a Saturday speech by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in which he apologized to Gulf neighbors for Iran's attacks on civilian targets. Two days earlier, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan held a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to clearly convey Riyadh's stance.

Sources indicated Saudi Arabia backs mediation efforts to de-escalate tensions and achieve a negotiated solution. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have not allowed use of their airspace or territory for U.S. attacks against Iran. However, the Saudi foreign minister warned that continued Iranian attacks on Saudi soil or energy facilities could prompt Riyadh to permit U.S. forces access to its bases and to respond militarily.

Since U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran began on February 28, Saudi Arabia has maintained regular contacts with Tehran via its ambassador. Last week, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia faced extensive Iranian drone and missile attacks. On the war's first day, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, prompting Iranian strikes on Israel and countries hosting U.S. bases.

Pezeshkian stated Iran's interim leadership council decided to halt attacks on neighbors unless provoked. Some Iranian military commanders maintain U.S. and Israeli regional bases as primary targets.

Mohammad Mehdi Mirbagheri, an Iranian Assembly of Experts member, said a majority consensus on Khamenei's successor exists, though obstacles remain. Iranian media reported debate over whether a final decision requires an in-person meeting. Mohsen Heydari Al-Kashef, another member, deemed an in-person vote unfeasible, citing Khamenei's guidance for a leader "hated by enemies." He noted the U.S., dubbed the "Great Satan," mentioned the successor's name; U.S. President Donald Trump recently called Mojtaba Khamenei an "unacceptable" choice.

Entering its second week, the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran saw Trump demand Iran's "unconditional surrender." Pezeshkian announced mediation attempts, but Trump insisted on social media only surrender terms, promising post-surrender economic aid under an "acceptable" leader. Conflicts have disrupted global markets, with Iranian strikes on Israel and Gulf hosts, and Israeli attacks on Beirut displacing hundreds of thousands.