Saudi Arabia Condemns ‘Cowardly’ Iranian Attacks on Riyadh, Eastern Province

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday condemned what it described as “blatant and cowardly” Iranian attacks targeting the Riyadh region and the Eastern Province, saying the strikes were successfully repelled.

In a statement issued on February 28, 2026 (Ramadan 11, 1447 AH), the Kingdom said the attacks could not be justified “under any pretext or in any way,” and stressed that they came despite Tehran’s awareness that Saudi Arabia had affirmed it would not allow its airspace or territory to be used to launch operations against Iran.

“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 and were repelled,” the statement read.

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Saudi authorities did not immediately provide details on the nature of the projectiles or weapons involved, nor did they disclose whether there were casualties or damage resulting from the attempted strikes.

The government described the incident as “unjustified aggression” and warned that it reserves the right to respond. “In light of this unjustified aggression, the Kingdom affirms that it will take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its territory, citizens, and residents, including the option of responding to the aggression,” the ministry said.

Iranian Military Media Issues Emergency Advisory to Citizens in Gulf States

Wider Regional Escalation

The incident comes amid a sharp escalation across the Middle East following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory on Saturday.

The strikes reportedly targeted military installations and senior command structures inside Iran, dramatically raising tensions.

Tehran has since launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region, targeting U.S. military installations and allied states perceived to be cooperating with Washington and Tel Aviv.

Several Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan have reported activating air defence systems in response to incoming threats over the past 48 hours.

Saudi Arabia’s statement suggests it now considers itself directly targeted in the expanding confrontation.

Long-Running Rivalry

The flare-up underscores the fragile nature of relations between Riyadh and Tehran. Although the two regional powers restored diplomatic ties in 2023 after years of hostility, deep strategic rivalry persists, rooted in competition for influence across the Middle East and opposing alignments in conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Iraq.

Saudi Arabia has repeatedly maintained that it seeks to avoid direct confrontation and does not want its territory used as a launchpad for attacks on Iran. Saturday’s statement emphasized that this position had been clearly communicated to Iranian authorities prior to the reported strikes.

There was no immediate official response from Tehran at the time of filing this report. However, analysts warn that any Saudi countermeasure could further widen a conflict that is already drawing in multiple regional and global actors.

With tensions rising and air defence systems on heightened alert across the Gulf, diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader war are expected to intensify in the coming days.

The development marks a significant escalation in tensions between Riyadh and Tehran, amid a volatile regional security environment and growing fears of a broader confrontation.

There was no immediate response from Iranian authorities at the time of filing this report.

Amanze Chinonye

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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

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Saudi Arabia Condemns ‘Cowardly’ Iranian Attacks on Riyadh, Eastern Province