Tensions Escalate as Saudi Arabia Prepares Retaliation Against Iranian Attack
The situation in the Middle East stands on the brink of dangerous escalation following Saudi Arabia’s confirmation that airstrikes by Iran targeted the Riyadh region and the Eastern Province on Saturday, 28 February. The Saudi government issued a strong condemnation of the action and publicly declared its readiness to launch retaliatory measures to protect national sovereignty.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued an official statement condemning what it described as cowardly and unjustifiable attacks. Despite successfully repelling the strikes, the kingdom emphasised that it would not remain silent in response to this security violation.
“In response to this unwarranted aggression, the Kingdom affirms that it will take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its territory, citizens and residents, including the option of responding to this aggression,” stated the official Saudi Foreign Ministry statement, as reported by AFP.
The security incident also prompted rapid diplomatic reconciliation across the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman immediately conducted a telephone conversation with United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed.
This marked the first communication between the two leaders since a public dispute at the end of December.
According to reports from the UAE’s official news agency WAM, the two leaders discussed regional developments and Iran’s direct attacks targeting the UAE and other allied nations. Both strongly condemned the escalation, viewing it as a threat to regional security and international stability.
During the conversation, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed full solidarity and offered the kingdom’s full resources to support any measures undertaken by the UAE. President Mohamed bin Zayed responded with high appreciation for this gesture of unity in the face of shared threats.
In contrast, the response from Washington appeared more restrained. The White House stated that United States President Donald Trump has no plans to deliver a public address regarding the attack launched by the US and Israel against Iran.
Although Trump had previously posted a video on Truth Social announcing the attack whilst calling for regime change in Tehran, internal White House officials denied that any further statement would be forthcoming in the near term.
“That report is inaccurate; the White House has not provided any guidance regarding a speech or statement today,” stated a White House official to media, as quoted by AFP.