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Saudi Arabia will not allow attacks on Iran, MBS assures Tehran
Saudi Arabia will not allow attacks on Iran from its territory, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during a telephonic conversation on Tuesday.
According to the Saudi foreign ministry, MBS reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to respecting the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran and confirmed that Saudi airspace and territory would not be used for any military actions against Tehran.
Tehran’s Response and Regional Security
During the conversation, President Pezeshkian criticized US threats against Iran, warning that they would only create regional instability. “The threats and psychological operations of the Americans are aimed at disrupting the security of the region and will achieve nothing other than instability for them,” the Iranian president said.
Pezeshkian also highlighted that the unity and cohesion of Islamic countries can guarantee lasting peace and security, and affirmed that Tehran welcomes any international efforts, within the framework of law, to prevent war.
MBS also stressed Riyadh’s support for dialogue and negotiation to resolve disputes, signaling a diplomatic approach amid escalating tensions.
Image Source: Reuters
Image Date: October 23, 2021.
US Military Exercise in the Middle East
The phone call coincided with the US announcing a major multi-day Air Force exercise in the Middle East, aimed at demonstrating the ability to deploy and sustain combat airpower across the region.
The US Air Force Central Command did not disclose the date or exact location of the exercise, but the move has been interpreted as part of Washington’s ongoing regional military posture amid Iran tensions.
UAE and Gulf States’ Position on Attacks
Saudi Arabia follows the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which on January 26 publicly reaffirmed that it would not permit its airspace, territory, or waters to be used for attacks on Iran.
The UAE hosts thousands of US personnel at Al Dhafra airbase near Abu Dhabi and has explicitly refused to provide logistical support for strikes, advocating dialogue, de-escalation, and adherence to international law as solutions to current crises.
Iran Protests and Regional Context
Iran is currently grappling with widespread protests that began in late December 2025, fueled by economic grievances. Demonstrations intensified in early January, with calls for systemic reform and accountability.
US President Donald Trump had earlier threatened military intervention if Iran executed protesters, but later refrained from ordering strikes, citing a temporary halt in executions. The protests continue to shape Tehran’s domestic and foreign policy posture.
Analysts say Saudi Arabia’s public assurance not to allow attacks marks a significant Gulf shift in regional security policy, signaling restraint amid heightened US-Iran tensions.
