Riyadh has issued a stern warning to Iran, urging it to avoid ‘misleading calculations’ as tensions in West Asia intensify amid spreading conflicts. Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, delivered this message following a meeting with Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir.
Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and US military bases, alongside hundreds of ballistic missiles and thousands of drones aimed at Gulf Arab states. These attacks have hit energy infrastructure, civilian areas, and American military installations across the region.
Prince Khalid expressed hope that Iran would act with ‘wisdom and prudence,’ steering clear of actions that could further destabilize an already volatile situation. He specifically cautioned against misjudgments that might provoke wider escalation.
In a related development, Saudi air defenses successfully intercepted another incoming ballistic missile targeting a military base southeast of Riyadh. The Saudi Defense Ministry announced on social media platform X that the missile aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base was destroyed before reaching its target.
Officials reported neutralizing multiple aerial threats in recent days. On Friday, four drones were shot down—three in eastern Riyadh and one northeast of the capital. A cruise missile over Al Kharg city was also intercepted.
Earlier this week, Iranian drones targeted the US Embassy compound in Riyadh, where two collided with the perimeter, causing limited fire and minor structural damage. The US Embassy subsequently advised American citizens to avoid the area as a precaution.
Key energy facilities have not been spared. A drone attack on the Ras Tanura Refinery was thwarted by air defenses, preventing significant damage. This vital facility processes over 500,000 barrels of crude oil daily, making it one of Saudi Arabia’s most critical oil refining hubs.
As attacks persist, Saudi Arabia remains on high alert, bolstering defenses to protect its sovereignty and critical assets while calling for restraint from adversaries to prevent a full-blown regional war.