Saudi Arabia strongly condemns Iran’s attacks on UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan

RIYADH - The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a sharp condemnation on Saturday, denouncing what it described as "brutal Iranian aggression" and a "flagrant violation" of the sovereignty of several neighbouring and regional states. 

The statement explicitly named the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Qatar, State of Kuwait, and Jordan as targets of Iranian missile and drone strikes, which Riyadh labeled as heinous acts threatening regional security and stability.

In its official release — shared via the ministry's verified channels including X — the Kingdom expressed its "strongest terms" of rejection and affirmed full solidarity with the affected countries. Saudi Arabia pledged to place "all its capabilities" at their disposal in support of any defensive or retaliatory measures they undertake, while warning of the "grave consequences" of continued breaches of state sovereignty and international law.

The ministry further called on the international community to unequivocally condemn the attacks and impose firm measures against what it termed Iranian violations undermining peace in the region.

The Saudi statement came hours after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched multiple waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting military sites and US assets across the Middle East. The strikes were widely reported as retaliation for recent joint US-Israeli military operations against Iranian targets, including nuclear-related facilities and command centers.

Saudi Arabia reported no confirmed hits on its territory, though unverified reports mentioned explosions near Riyadh.

The attacks have prompted widespread alarm across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, many of which host significant US military presence and have longstanding security partnerships with Washington. 

Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain each issued their own condemnations, emphasizing violations of sovereignty and reserving the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Regional and diplomatic fallout

Saudi Arabia's swift and unambiguous response underscores a rare alignment among Gulf monarchies — including Qatar, despite past tensions — in opposition to Iranian actions. The statement avoided any direct criticism of the preceding US-Israeli strikes on Iran, focusing instead on Tehran's retaliation as the primary destabilizing factor.

Analysts note that Riyadh's pledge of support signals readiness for coordinated defensive measures, potentially including intelligence sharing, air defense cooperation, or logistical backing. 

The condemnation also aligns with broader Arab calls for international intervention to prevent further escalation.

With tensions at a boiling point, diplomatic channels — including mediation efforts by Oman and others — face an urgent test in the hours and days ahead.