Saudi Arabia rules out use of its territory for military action against Iran

Saudi Arabia has delivered a significant assurance to Iran, pledging not to allow its territory to serve as a launchpad for military strikes against its regional rival. The commitment was conveyed directly by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in a high-level phone call.

A direct pledge of non-involvement

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Crown Prince, who also serves as prime minister, affirmed "the Kingdom’s position on respecting the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran" during the call late Tuesday. He explicitly stated that Saudi Arabia "will not allow the use of its airspace or territory in any military actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any attacks by any party, regardless of their destination."

Emphasis on dialogue and regional stability

The conversation also centered on diplomatic solutions to regional disputes. Bin Salman reiterated Saudi support for "any efforts aimed at resolving disputes through dialogue in a manner that enhances security and stability in the region." This stance underscores Riyadh's ongoing diplomatic re-engagement with Tehran, which began with a Chinese-brokered normalization agreement in 2023, following years of deep-seated hostility.

Strategic context amid regional tensions

The assurance comes at a time of heightened military activity in the Middle East, including recent US naval deployments and air defense reinforcements. By publicly ruling out its involvement in a potential conflict, Saudi Arabia is signaling a clear preference for de-escalation and asserting its strategic autonomy. The move aims to insulate the Kingdom from being drawn into a confrontation and stabilizes its crucial diplomatic rapprochement with Iran.