Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates Discuss Dangerous Iranian Escalation
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman telephoned UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed on Saturday, 28 February, to discuss Iranian retaliatory strikes in the Gulf and express solidarity in their first conversation since public disagreements in late December.
According to the UAE’s official news agency WAM, the two leaders discussed regional developments and what they characterised as overt Iranian attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates and several other allied nations. Both leaders condemned the dangerous escalation they said threatened regional security and undermined stability.
The Saudi Crown Prince expressed full Saudi solidarity with the UAE, offering all available resources to support any measures the UAE might undertake. The UAE leadership responded with gratitude and appreciation for the Saudi position.
Brazil issued a statement on Saturday expressing deep concern regarding attacks launched by the United States and Israel against Iran, which responded with extensive missile strikes. Brazil’s foreign ministry condemned the attacks and called on all parties to respect international law and exercise maximum restraint to prevent further escalation and ensure protection of civilians and civil infrastructure.
The White House denied reports that President Donald Trump planned to address the American public on Saturday following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. A White House official stated that reports of a planned Trump speech were inaccurate, noting that the administration had provided no direction regarding any address or statement that day. Trump had previously posted a video on his Truth Social platform announcing the strikes and calling for regime change in Tehran.
The escalation occurred amid significant military operations targeting civilian locations and vital infrastructure in Tehran, with reports suggesting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may have been a principal target. Iranian missiles subsequently struck US military bases across Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria, and the UAE.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto offered to serve as a mediator between the United States and Iran during the crisis.