Saudi Arabia has condemned Iranian attacks targeting the Riyadh Region and the Eastern Province, saying the incidents were successfully intercepted and warning that the Kingdom reserves the right to respond.
In a statement issued on 28 February, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said:
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its rejection and condemnation in the strongest terms of the blatant and cowardly Iranian attacks that targeted the Riyadh Region and the Eastern Province, which were successfully intercepted. These attacks cannot be justified under any pretext or in any way whatsoever, and they came despite the Iranian authorities’ knowledge that the Kingdom had affirmed it would not allow its airspace or territory to be used to target Iran.”
“In light of this unjustified aggression, the Kingdom affirms that it will take all necessary measures to defend its security and safeguard its territory, its citizens, and its residents, including the option of responding to the aggression.”
The statement followed reports that projectiles were intercepted over parts of central and eastern Saudi Arabia. Authorities did not immediately release detailed information regarding damage or casualties.
Earlier in the day, social media users in Riyadh reported hearing sounds of explosions. This was confirmed by AFP reporting from Riyadh.
Regional solidarity
Separately, Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held phone calls with leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the Crown Prince affirmed Saudi Arabia’s solidarity with those countries following what were described as Iranian attacks targeting their territories.
The calls were framed as part of broader coordination among regional governments amid escalating tensions.
The developments come amid heightened military activity in the region. According to Reuters, Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iranian targets earlier on 28 February, marking a significant escalation in an already volatile security environment.
Saudi Arabia’s statement following Iran’s targeting of Riyadh and the Eastern Province, where US military presence exists in Saudi-operated based, noted that the Kingdom had previously affirmed it would not allow its airspace or territory to be used to target Iran. The Foreign Ministry described the reported attacks as occurring despite that position.
The latest strikes underscore the fragile state of peace in the region, with multiple actors now directly engaged. For Saudi Arabia, the emphasis in official statements has centred on interception, condemnation, and deterrence, alongside coordination with neighbouring states.
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