A report published by Reuters has claimed that Saudi Arabia may have carried out previously undisclosed airstrikes against Iran earlier this year amid escalating regional conflict involving the United States and Israel.
According to Reuters, two Western officials and two Iranian officials briefed on the matter said the strikes were conducted by the Saudi Air Force in March as a retaliatory response following attacks allegedly launched by Iran against Gulf states and regional energy infrastructure.
The report did not identify the specific targets allegedly struck by Saudi forces.
If confirmed, the operation would mark the first publicly reported instance of direct Saudi military involvement in the ongoing conflict.
Saudi Arabia and Iran remain publicly silent
Neither the Saudi nor Iranian foreign ministries immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia later informed Iranian officials about the strikes through diplomatic channels and warned of further retaliation if additional attacks occurred.
The communication reportedly contributed to broader de-escalation discussions between the two regional rivals, who restored diplomatic relations in recent years after a long period of tensions.
Regional tensions escalated after attacks on Gulf infrastructure
According to the report, Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states following U.S.-Israeli military operations earlier this year.
The alleged attacks reportedly targeted oil and gas infrastructure across parts of the Gulf region, as well as U.S. military assets stationed in the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis and fears of wider regional war have since placed enormous pressure on global energy markets and shipping routes.
Saudi officials reiterate support for de-escalation
Although Saudi authorities did not directly confirm the Reuters report, officials reiterated the Kingdom’s public position favoring restraint and regional stability.
A senior Saudi foreign ministry official said:
“We reaffirm Saudi Arabia's consistent position advocating de-escalation, self-restraint and the reduction of tensions in pursuit of the stability, security and prosperity of the region and its people.”
Former Saudi intelligence chief Turki al-Faisal also emphasized the Kingdom’s approach of avoiding wider escalation.
“Our leadership chose to endure the pains caused by a neighbour in order to protect the lives and property of its citizens,” he said.
No official confirmation so far
As of now, neither Tehran nor Riyadh has officially confirmed the alleged Saudi strikes.
The Reuters report is likely to intensify scrutiny over the extent of Gulf states’ involvement in the broader regional conflict and may raise new questions about covert military coordination in the Middle East.