Saudi Arabia warns Iran: Gives warning of counterattack

Amid the ongoing tension in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has directly warned Iran that it is prioritizing a diplomatic solution to stop the war. However, if the attacks on the country's energy infrastructure continue, there will be a strong counterattack.

The news agency Reuters reported, citing four diplomatic sources, that Riyadh has conveyed this message to Iran through secret communications. It said that Saudi Arabia wants to normalize the situation through talks to avoid conflict, but the path of counterattack will also be open if its energy sector is attacked.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his regret to the Gulf countries. He mainly expressed regret over the Iranian attacks on US bases and infrastructure in these countries and tried to reduce regional tensions.

According to the Reuters report, his message was preceded by a strong warning from the Saudi side. Two days ago, the Saudi Foreign Minister spoke to the Iranian Foreign Minister on the phone and clarified Riyadh's position.

The Saudi foreign minister said that his country is ready to participate in any initiative to end the war through negotiations. At the same time, he claimed that the United States has not been allowed to launch any attacks using the territory of the Gulf countries.

However, he warned that if attacks on Saudi Arabia's territory or energy infrastructure continue, the situation could go in a different direction. In that case, Saudi Arabia may be forced to allow the United States to use its bases. In addition, if Iran continues to attack energy facilities, it has also been clearly stated that it will retaliate in a similar manner.

The sources also said that Saudi Arabia is still maintaining contact with Iran through the back channel in an attempt to reduce tensions. However, when asked about this, neither the Saudi Arabian nor Iranian Foreign Ministries officially commented.

According to analysts, this warning message from Saudi Arabia could make the regional situation more sensitive amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. At the same time, it is believed that the possibility of diplomatic talks has not been completely closed.

Source: Reuters