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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday strongly condemned Iranian missile attacks on US military bases in the Gulf and said it was prepared to defend its fellow states as open conflict erupted in the Middle East.
Earlier in the day, the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran, pushing the Middle East into renewed military confrontation and further dimming hopes for a diplomatic solution to the West’s long-running effort to denuclearize Iran, despite Tehran’s repeated claims that it will not pursue nuclear weapons.
In response, Iran attacked Israel and US bases in the Middle East. Explosions were reported in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.
In a statement, the KSA’s foreign ministry said it strongly condemned and condemned what it said was “open Iranian aggression and a flagrant violation of the sovereignty” of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan.
“The Kingdom reaffirms its full solidarity with and unwavering support for the brotherly countries, and its readiness to place all its capabilities at their disposal in support of any measures they may take.”
Saudi Arabia also warned of serious consequences from continued violations of national sovereignty and violations of international law.
The kingdom later condemned attacks on its own areas in Riyadh and in the east, adding that they were repulsed.
“These attacks cannot be justified under any pretext or by any means, and they came despite the knowledge of the Iranian authorities that the Kingdom had confirmed that it would not allow its airspace or territory to be used to target Iran. In light of this unjustified aggression, the Kingdom confirms that it will take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its territory, citizens and inhabitants, including the possibility of aggression.”
Qatar’s foreign ministry also called the Iranian missile attack “unacceptable” and said it was a threat to regional peace and security.
It also expressed deep condemnation of the violation of the sovereignty of Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain and Jordan and promised to protect the sister states with all measures.
The United Arab Emirates said the attacks were a clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the UAE’s full solidarity and unwavering support for the countries in the region affected by these attacks, stressing that their security is indivisible and that any violation of any state’s sovereignty poses a direct threat to the security and stability of the entire region.
“The United Arab Emirates reaffirmed its categorical rejection of the use of the territories of regional states as arenas for settling disputes or expanding the scope of the conflict, and warned of the serious consequences of continued violations, which undermine regional and international security and threaten global economic stability and energy security.
“The UAE reiterated its call for restraint and the use of diplomatic solutions and serious dialogue, stressing that this remains the most effective way to overcome the current crisis and ensure regional security and stability,” a statement from its foreign ministry said.
It said the UAE retained its full and legitimate right to respond to the attacks in a manner that protected its sovereignty, national security and territorial integrity, and ensured the safety of its citizens and residents in accordance with international law.
“The UAE will under no circumstances tolerate any compromise of its security or sovereignty.”
Kuwait’s Foreign Minister also slammed the attacks, reaffirmed his full solidarity with the states that were attacked and his support for all measures to preserve their sovereignty, security and stability.
“The Ministry confirms that the defense of the State of Kuwait has successfully repelled this aggression in accordance with the adopted operational procedures and in accordance with the applicable rules of engagement, adding that the continuation of these aggressive military actions witnessed in the region will undermine regional security and stability.”
The Saudi crown prince later called the leaders of the Gulf states and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s full solidarity with them and declared its unwavering support and readiness to put all its resources at their disposal to counter the aggression, which he said undermined regional security and stability.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also condemned the attacks by Iran and called for an end.
