As the Middle East crisis intensifies, Saudi Arabia reportedly launched clandestine military attacks against Iran, in what sources said was the kingdom’s first known direct military operation on Iranian soil.
The Saudi Air Force carried out the attacks in late March in response to Iranian strikes on Saudi territory, including oil and civilian infrastructure, Reuters reported, citing Western and Iranian officials, which were not publicly announced.
The actions mentioned came amid a wider regional battle that broke out after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran earlier this year. Iranian missile and drone strikes have reportedly impacted targets across the area, drawing Gulf governments like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates further into the battle.
The Saudi operations were “tit-for-tat” punishment for repeated attacks inside the country, sources familiar with the subject said. But specific targets within Iran have not been publicly acknowledged. Saudi officials did not immediately dispute the reports when asked for comment and Iranian authorities have not yet responded formally.
The disclosures point to a dramatic change in Riyadh’s security stance. Historically Saudi Arabia has leaned on U.S. military help for protection in the region but the current conflict seems to have prompted Gulf governments to more actively take on Tehran.
While the strikes are said to have occurred, Saudi Arabia is also said to have kept diplomatic channels open with Iran, to prevent a regional collapse. Analysts say tensions eased later to some extent after an informal arrangement between Tehran and Riyadh, and then a broader ceasefire attempt involving Washington.
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