Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Saudi Arabia said Saturday it reserves the right to respond after Iranian missile attacks targeted the capital Riyadh and the kingdom’s Eastern Province, in one of the most serious signs yet that the escalating regional conflict is spreading across the Gulf.
In an official statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said the incoming projectiles were intercepted and strongly condemned what it described as “the blatant and cowardly Iranian attacks” against the kingdom.
“In light of this unjustified aggression, the Kingdom affirms that it will take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its territory, citizens and residents, including with the option of responding to the aggression,” the ministry said.
Saudi authorities did not immediately report casualties or significant damage, but the warning marked a sharp rise in rhetoric as regional tensions continue to mount.
The reported strikes come amid a rapidly expanding confrontation following joint military operations by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets earlier in the day. US President Donald Trump said the campaign was intended to eliminate threats posed by Tehran and protect American interests.
Iran has rejected that characterization, calling the US-Israeli attacks illegal and unprovoked. Tehran subsequently launched missile barrages toward Israel and toward several Gulf countries that host American military facilities.
Security analysts say the exchange of strikes across multiple countries including Israel and parts of the Gulf, underscores the growing risk of a wider regional war if diplomatic channels fail to contain the crisis.
Regional governments have already heightened military readiness and air defense postures, while civil aviation disruptions and public safety alerts continue across several Middle Eastern states as the situation evolves.
