The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia said the Kingdom strongly condemns Iranian attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and a number of Arab, Islamic and friendly countries.
In a statement issued on March 9, the ministry said the attacks cannot be accepted or justified under any circumstances. The Kingdom said it retains its full right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its security, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens and residents, and to deter aggression.
The statement said targeting civilian objects, airports and oil facilities reflects a determination to threaten security and stability and represents a violation of international charters and international law.
The ministry also referred to a statement made by the President of the Iran indicating that there were no plans to attack neighboring countries and that the decision had been taken by the Leadership Council. However, the Kingdom said the Iranian side has not reflected that statement in practice and has continued its attacks based on claims that are not grounded in fact.
Among those allegations were claims that fighter jets and refueling aircraft had departed from Saudi Arabia to participate in the war. The Kingdom said these claims had already been clarified as false, explaining that the aircraft were conducting air patrols to monitor and protect the airspace of the Kingdom and GCC states from Iranian missiles and drones.
Saudi Arabia added that the continued Iranian attacks represent further escalation and could have significant implications for bilateral relations now and in the future. The statement added that “Iran’s current actions toward regional countries do not reflect wisdom or serve the interest of avoiding a widening of escalation, in which Iran would be the greatest loser.”