Amid reports that the Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, influenced US President Donald Trump against mounting an attack on Iran, Riyadh has clarified its position to Tehran.
Saudi Arabia has informed Iran that it will not allow its airspace or territory to be used to attack it, two sources close to the kingdom’s government told reporters. This comes as the US deploys its military assets in the Middle East, in anticipation of a potential conflict with Iran.
“Saudi Arabia has informed Tehran directly that it will not be part of any military action taken against it, and that its territory and airspace will not be used for that purpose,” a source close to the Saudi military said, adding that the message had been communicated to Tehran. The US has military assets in the Gulf, including in Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh has been taking a very strategic and safe approach in dealing with Tehran despite the long record of hostility toward Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has so far refrained from publicly supporting the Iranian people’s struggle against the Islamic Republic.
With inputs from The Week
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Kashmir Today staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
