Saudi Arabia Issues Stark Warning to Iran Amid Rising Tensions in West Asia
Riyadh's Caution to Tehran
Riyadh: On Saturday, Saudi Arabia warned Iran against what it termed as 'misguided calculations' as tensions escalate in the West Asia region amid a growing conflict.
Iran has initiated missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US military installations, while also launching numerous ballistic missiles and drones towards Gulf Arab nations.
These assaults have focused on energy infrastructure, civilian areas, and US military bases throughout the region.
Following a meeting with Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Saudi Arabia's Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud expressed hope that Iran would 'act with wisdom and reason' and avoid actions that could exacerbate the already tense situation, urging Tehran to steer clear of 'misguided calculations.'
In a related development, Saudi Arabia reported that its air defense systems successfully intercepted another incoming threat. The Kingdom stated that a ballistic missile aimed at a military site southeast of the capital was neutralized before it could reach its destination.
'A ballistic missile targeting Prince Sultan Air Base was intercepted and destroyed,' the Saudi Defence Ministry announced on X.
Saudi officials also revealed that several aerial threats had been neutralized in recent days.
According to the Defence Ministry, four drones were downed on Friday (local time), including three in eastern Riyadh and another northeast of the capital. Additionally, a cruise missile was intercepted over Kharj.
Earlier this week, Iranian drones targeted the US Embassy in Riyadh. The Saudi Defence Ministry reported that two drones hit the compound, resulting in 'limited fire' and minor structural damage.
In response to the incident, the US Embassy advised American citizens to refrain from visiting the compound as a safety precaution.
Saudi Arabia's vital energy infrastructure has also been under threat during these ongoing assaults. The Ras Tanura oil refinery, a key crude processing facility, was attacked by drones.
However, Saudi air defenses successfully intercepted the incoming drones before they could inflict any damage, according to a military spokesperson who spoke to the state-run Saudi Press Agency.
The Ras Tanura refinery is crucial, with a production capacity exceeding half a million barrels of crude oil daily, making it one of the most important oil processing facilities in the Kingdom.