Exclusive-Saudi Arabia launched covert attacks on Iran as regional war widened - sources
Yahoo News Canada • • world
Key Points:
- Saudi Arabia conducted undisclosed air strikes on Iranian soil in late March as retaliation for attacks within the kingdom, marking the first known direct Saudi military action against Iran.
- These strikes, confirmed by Western and Iranian officials, were part of a broader tit-for-tat escalation following Iranian missile and drone attacks on Gulf states after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in February.
- The Saudi and UAE military responses reveal a covert regional conflict with Gulf monarchies increasingly striking back at Iran, though Saudi Arabia has also pursued diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
- Following the strikes, Saudi Arabia and Iran reportedly agreed to de-escalate tensions, with diplomatic efforts leading to a reduction in attacks and a broader ceasefire between Washington and Tehran in early April.
- Despite ongoing regional rivalry and proxy conflicts, Saudi Arabia has sought to avoid wider destruction and maintain stability, continuing oil exports and engaging in communication with Iran amid fluctuating hostilities.