RIYADH — Saudi Arabia said Monday that Iran’s actions toward the Kingdom and Gulf states do not reflect wisdom or the interest of avoiding a wider escalation in which Tehran would be the biggest loser.In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Iran’s continued attacks signal further escalation and could have significant repercussions for relations now and in the future.The Kingdom said remarks by the Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian claiming Iran had no plans to attack neighboring countries had not been reflected in reality.“The Kingdom affirms that the Iranian side has not implemented that declaration on the ground, either during the president’s speech or afterward, and has continued its attacks based on baseless justifications that have no basis in fact,” the statement said.Saudi Arabia also rejected claims that fighter jets and aerial refueling aircraft launched from the Kingdom were participating in the war.Riyadh said those aircraft are conducting defensive patrols to monitor and protect the airspace of Saudi Arabia and Gulf Cooperation Council countries from Iranian missiles and drones.The ministry stressed that targeting civilian sites, airports and oil facilities demonstrates an insistence on threatening security and stability and constitutes a clear violation of international conventions and international law.Saudi Arabia renewed its firm condemnation of the Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom, GCC states and several Arab, Islamic and friendly countries.The Kingdom reiterated that it retains the full right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its security, sovereignty and the safety of citizens and residents, and to deter aggression.
Keep Up to Date with our Weekly Newsletter
