No justification possible: Saudi ambassador to Ankara strongly denounces Iranian attacks

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Ankara, Fahad bin Assaad Abualnasr, strongly condemned Iran’s recent attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries, and Jordan, calling them an “unacceptable violation of sovereignty” and a direct threat to regional security and stability.

Speaking exclusively to Yeni Şafak during a meeting with a delegation that included the Turkish Press Federation, Abualnasr rejected any attempts to justify the attacks, stressing that such actions cannot be legitimized under any circumstances.

Statements from Ambassador Fahad bin Assaad Abualnasr:

On the trajectory of relations between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye:

Relations between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are currently undergoing a qualitative and rapid development process, reflecting the determination of the leadership of both countries to elevate these ties to broader and more robust levels. Official mutual visits, most recently the visit of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Saudi Arabia in February 2026, have contributed to placing relations on a stronger and deeper foundation. The joint statement issued at the conclusion of the visit emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in priority shared sectors, capitalizing on investment opportunities emerging from Saudi Vision 2030 and Türkiye's Century of Türkiye Vision, building upon the gains achieved through the Saudi-Turkish Coordination Council, and developing partnerships in various fields serving the interests of both nations. The Kingdom views brotherly Türkiye as a major partner with strong ties and growing political and economic bonds. Accordingly, it attaches importance to continuing this positive momentum to expand areas of cooperation, enhance mutual trust, and carry relations toward broader horizons in the coming period.

On promising opportunities for expanding economic cooperation between the two countries:

Economic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye holds vast and growing opportunities, particularly due to the attractive environment offered by Saudi Vision 2030 for high-quality projects and value-added investments. There is increasing interest in expanding cooperation in areas such as investment, renewable energy, industry, construction, tourism, logistics services, and advanced technologies. These sectors are areas where Turkish companies possess significant experience and are also among the priority sectors in Saudi Arabia's economic transformation process. Our goal is not limited to increasing trade volume; beyond that, it is to establish sustainable partnerships based on knowledge and experience transfer, encouraging mutual investments and developing joint projects that benefit both countries.

On the Kingdom's role in supporting regional stability and reducing tensions in the region:

In its approach to regional issues, the Kingdom operates on a consistent vision based on promoting stability, preventing the spread of crises, and prioritizing political and diplomatic solutions. This approach stems from the belief that the region's security and prosperity can only be achieved through dialogue, respect for states' sovereignty, and addressing crises at their roots. This protects the interests of peoples and prevents further escalation. Within this framework, cooperation with brotherly Türkiye is based on a shared understanding of the importance of coordination and consultation regarding regional developments. Intensifying political contacts, exchanging views on regional crises, and supporting diplomatic solutions to reduce tensions constitute essential elements of this cooperation. The Kingdom is committed to taking this relationship to broader horizons in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and strengthens the region's security and prosperity.

On the Kingdom's stance regarding recent Iranian attacks targeting certain countries in the region:

The Kingdom's stance on this matter is clear and resolute. Saudi Arabia strongly condemns these unjustified Iranian attacks targeting itself, the Gulf countries, and Jordan, considering them an unacceptable violation of states' sovereignty and a direct threat to the region's security and stability. It rejects any justification aimed at legitimizing these attacks. The Kingdom has officially and clearly stated that it will not permit its airspace or territory to be used for any attack against Iran; therefore, such claims are entirely unacceptable. Nevertheless, the Kingdom continues to act with the utmost wisdom and prudence. In coordination with Türkiye and other countries, it continues to support efforts to reduce tensions, end the war, and contribute to restoring regional stability. As emphasized in joint statements, the need to avoid steps that escalate tension and strengthen international efforts to maintain stability is affirmed.

Likewise, the Kingdom has clearly demonstrated its stance regarding the recent Iranian attacks targeting the brotherly Republic of Türkiye, officially announcing its strong condemnation of Iran's attempt to target Türkiye. This is a clear indication of the rejection of any threat to Türkiye's security and sovereignty.

These unjustified attacks target countries not party to the ongoing war in the region, directly affecting the interests of citizens and residents by targeting civilian areas, infrastructure, energy facilities, and residential zones. In this context, the Kingdom calls for an immediate halt to these attacks, preventing further escalation, and adherence to international law and the principles of good neighborliness, thereby aiming to preserve the region's security and stability.

On the Kingdom's contributions to protecting energy stability and maritime routes during this sensitive period:

The Kingdom addresses the stability of energy markets and the security of vital maritime transit routes within the framework of international law, emphasizing the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation. In this context, the security of critical chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb is of great importance. Any threat to these areas affects not only the global economy and international energy security but also the flow of trade and the movement of essential products and goods, particularly food supplies. Within this framework, the Kingdom's 'East-West' Oil Pipeline stands out as a strategic alternative route supporting global supply stability. This pipeline gains particular significance given the increase in military tensions in the region and their direct impact on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. This pipeline provides Saudi Arabia with great flexibility to transport oil and energy supplies via safe alternative routes to the Red Sea coast, enhancing supply continuity and reliability while contributing to mitigating the effects arising from regional tensions.

On the Kingdom's assessment of developments in the Middle East, especially the war in Gaza and Israeli attacks:

The Kingdom adopts a responsible political approach towards developments in the Middle East based on containing crises, respecting states' sovereignty, protecting civilians, and preventing the spread of conflicts. Within this framework, its official statements clearly reject Israel's attacks and ongoing violations against the Palestinian people, and it continues diplomatic contacts with regional and international partners to adopt a more effective stance against these developments. A current example of this stance is the joint statement by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and several Arab and Islamic countries rejecting the decision by the Israeli Knesset (parliament) to impose the death penalty on Palestinians in the West Bank. This decision was assessed as a dangerous escalation threatening stability.

Simultaneously, the Kingdom continues to lead, in partnership with France, the international process towards implementing the two-state solution. The "New York Declaration" adopted within this framework received broad support with 142 votes in the United Nations General Assembly, providing a framework for comprehensive and just peace by taking irreversible steps towards the concrete realization of an independent Palestinian state. Furthermore, the joint statement issued by the conference presidency welcomed the recognition of the State of Palestine by France and several countries, calling upon nations that have not yet taken this step to do so. This demonstrates that international support for the recognition of a Palestinian state is increasingly strengthening, not merely a symbolic stance.

Alongside its political stance, the Kingdom continues its humanitarian support for the Palestinian people. Through the work carried out by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), over 7,706 tons of aid have been delivered via 78 aircraft and 8 ships; additionally, 914 aid trucks and 20 ambulances have been dispatched, and aid agreements totaling $90.35 million have been executed. This reflects the political stance being accompanied directly by humanitarian and systematic work.

In general, the Kingdom strongly fulfills its humanitarian responsibility towards communities affected by wars, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises. Through projects and qualitative programs led by KSrelief, over 4,000 humanitarian aid projects have been implemented in 113 countries worldwide, with a total value exceeding $8 billion. These efforts have contributed to improving the living conditions of millions in need and providing urgent aid to those affected. These works also include supporting stability and development programs that improve the quality of life in beneficiary communities. As a result of these efforts, as of 2025, Saudi Arabia ranks second globally and first in the Arab world among countries providing humanitarian aid.

On the Kingdom's efforts regarding services to the guests of Allah (Hajj and Umrah pilgrims), especially Turkish pilgrims:

Serving the guests of Allah is a deep-rooted mission and a great responsibility for the Kingdom, consistently attended to by the Leadership. This service is not merely a seasonal organizational activity but part of a comprehensive vision aimed at facilitating the pilgrims' journey and enhancing the quality of services provided at every stage. Accordingly, the Kingdom continuously develops its service, organizational, and technological infrastructure to provide an easier, safer, and more comfortable experience for pilgrims from different countries around the world, including Turkish pilgrims. The 'Makkah Route Initiative' launched within this context allows pilgrims to complete their departure procedures at airports in their home countries and proceed directly to their accommodations upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. This initiative includes Türkiye and has been implemented at Ankara and Istanbul airports. Thus, the journey for Turkish pilgrims has been significantly facilitated, and service quality has been improved.

On the future of Saudi-Turkish relations in the coming period:

The core message is that relations between Saudi Arabia and brotherly Türkiye are progressing towards further advancement, consolidation, and expansion. Developments in the recent period demonstrate that the leadership of both countries possesses clear political will to carry this positive process further forward. This will aims to develop relations commensurate with the volume of existing opportunities and the challenges faced at regional and international levels. We believe that the coming period offers promising and extensive opportunities for increased cooperation between the two countries in various fields. The most notable characteristic of these relations today is that they rest on firmer foundations and mutual understanding. This significantly strengthens the sustainability and capacity for development of the relationship.

On the ceasefire agreement:

The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran and hopes that it will be permanent and sustainable.