Saudi Arabia had reportedly issued a stern warning to Tehran two days prior to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologising to neighboring Gulf countries for its strikes on their territories.
The warning, according to Reuters, emphasised that continued attacks on the kingdom and its energy sector could compel Riyadh to respond in kind.
In a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan clearly communicated Riyadh's position. He stated that neither Saudi Arabia nor other Gulf states had allowed the US to use their airspace or territories to launch airstrikes against Iran.
Prince Faisal also reiterated that Saudi Arabia favours a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict and is open to any mediation efforts aimed at de-escalation.
According to Reuters, Prince Faisal warned Araqchi that if Tehran's strikes on Saudi Arabia's critical energy facilities persisted, Riyadh would have no choice but to allow US forces to use its military bases. He also made it clear that Saudi Arabia, too, would retaliate if attacks on its vital infrastructure continued.
On Saturday, in an apparent attempt to ease regional tensions, the Islamic Republic issued an unusual apology to its neighboring states for its actions, particularly the missile and drone strikes on civilian targets in the Gulf. "I personally apologise to neighboring countries that were affected by Iran’s actions," President Pezeshkian stated.
The ongoing war in the Middle East, which began following joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, has now entered its second week, with casualties surpassing 1,500.
Despite some notable successes, such as the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the conflict, reports suggest that the strategic objectives behind the airstrikes remain elusive for the US and Israel.
In retaliation, Tehran has targeted US military bases and other infrastructure in neighboring countries, escalating fears of a wider regional war.
