Saudi Tells Iran to Wise Up, or Else
AP Photo/Baraa Anwer
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister indicated that the country’s patience with Iran’s attacks is running out. Speaking shortly after Saudi air defenses intercepted two waves of ballistic missiles over Riyadh, Prince Faisal bin Farhan said Thursday that the kingdom is prepared to protect its land and its oil facilities and would not hesitate to act if necessary. He made clear that military options remain possible, though he did not say exactly what developments might prompt such a response, according to reporting by the New York Times.
The statement follows a series of Iranian strikes that have targeted Gulf nations hosting U.S. military bases since late February. Thousands of missiles and drones have reportedly been launched in that period, and Saudi Arabia has recently been absorbing an increasing portion of those attacks.
The most recent barrage wounded four foreign residents in Riyadh. It also occurred at the same time regional officials were meeting in the Saudi capital to discuss Iran’s military actions. Prince Faisal suggested the timing of the strike was meant to unsettle the diplomats attending the gathering. He said the attack did not intimidate the participants.
Saudi officials also said drones struck an oil refinery along the Red Sea coast. In a separate incident, the defense ministry reported intercepting a missile aimed at Yanbu, a major export hub located near the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that remains one of the most sensitive shipping routes for global energy supplies.
Prince Faisal said confidence between Riyadh and Tehran has effectively collapsed. While he expressed hope that Iran would stop targeting neighboring countries, he also voiced skepticism that such a change would occur.
About Post Author
