Saudi Arabia Bars Airspace Use for Any Strike on Iran

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that the kingdom would not allow its airspace or territory to be used for military operations against Iran, according to the state news agency SPA. The assurance was delivered during a phone call aimed at easing tensions and reinforcing regional stability.

The crown prince said Saudi Arabia supports any efforts that resolve disputes through dialogue, signaling a preference for diplomacy over confrontation at a time of elevated geopolitical risk in the Gulf.

Tehran Welcomes Efforts to Prevent War

Iranian media reported that President Pezeshkian welcomed any process, within the framework of international law, that helps prevent war. The exchange reflected cautious alignment between the two regional rivals on de-escalation, following years of strained relations and intermittent rapprochement efforts.

Saudi Arabia’s position mirrors a recent statement by the United Arab Emirates, which also said it would not allow its airspace or territorial waters to be used for military action against Iran.

U.S. Military Moves Add to Regional Uncertainty

Uncertainty over potential military action has persisted since U.S. President Donald Trump said an “armada” was heading toward Iran, while expressing hope that force would not be used. Trump warned Tehran against killing protesters or restarting its nuclear programme, though nationwide demonstrations have since subsided.

Two U.S. officials said an American aircraft carrier and supporting warships have arrived in the Middle East, expanding Washington’s ability to defend its forces or potentially conduct military operations involving Iran.

Protests and Crackdown in Iran

Iran has faced weeks of unrest, with rights groups alleging that security forces killed thousands of people, including bystanders. The groups describe the events as the most severe crackdown since the 1979 revolution that brought Shi’ite Muslim clerics to power. Iranian authorities have rejected those claims, blaming the violence on “terrorists and rioters” backed by exiled opponents.