Follow-up and Analysis | BETH News Agency

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned against the widening of escalation in the region, confirming that Iran has not implemented what was stated in its president’s remarks regarding not attacking neighboring countries.

The ministry said in an official statement that the Kingdom renews its firm condemnation of the malicious Iranian attacks that targeted the Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council states, in addition to a number of Arab, Islamic, and friendly countries.

The statement added that these attacks:

“cannot be accepted or justified under any circumstances.”

The Kingdom affirmed that it retains its full right to take all necessary measures to protect its security, sovereignty, and the safety of citizens and residents, and to deter any aggression.

The statement indicated that targeting civilian objects, airports, and oil facilities reflects persistence in threatening security and stability, and constitutes a blatant violation of international conventions and international law.

Contradiction Between Statements and Reality

Regarding the Iranian president’s statements in which he said that his country does not plan to attack neighboring countries, the Saudi Foreign Ministry clarified that the reality on the ground does not reflect those statements.

It confirmed that the Iranian side did not implement this call in practice, whether during the Iranian president’s speech or afterward, and that the attacks continued based on allegations that have no basis in fact.

Among those allegations were claims regarding the launch of fighter aircraft and refueling aircraft from Saudi territory to participate in the war.

The Kingdom stressed that these allegations are incorrect, explaining that those aircraft are conducting air patrols aimed at monitoring and protecting the airspace of the Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council states from Iranian missiles and drones.

Warning of the Consequences of Escalation

The Saudi Foreign Ministry concluded its statement by confirming that the continued Iranian attacks mean further escalation, and that this will have serious repercussions on relations at present and in the future.

It added that what Iran is currently doing toward the countries of the region does not reflect wisdom or interest in avoiding the expansion of the conflict, confirming that Tehran may be the biggest loser if this escalation path continues.

Interception of Drones

In the military context, the official spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, announced the interception and destruction of several drones that were targeting the Kingdom’s territory.

Al-Maliki explained that:

A drone was intercepted and destroyed in the Empty Quarter, heading toward the Shaybah oil field.

A drone was intercepted and destroyed east of Al-Jouf region.

Another drone was intercepted and destroyed in the Empty Quarter, also heading toward Shaybah.

Four additional drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Empty Quarter, targeting the same field.
This evening, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, stated that three drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Empty Quarter while heading toward the Shaybah oil field.

Al-Maliki explained that air defenses successfully dealt with the threat and neutralized it before it reached its target.

These operations reflect the continued attempts to target vital facilities in the Kingdom, at a time when Riyadh confirms that these attacks represent a direct threat to the security and stability of the region.