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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday strongly condemned Iranian missile attacks on US military bases in the Gulf and said it was ready to defend its sister states as an open conflict erupted in the Middle East.
Earlier in the day, the United States and Israel jointly launched attacks on Iran that pushed the Middle East into renewed military confrontation and further dimmed hopes for a diplomatic solution to the West’s long-standing effort to denuclearize Iran, despite Tehran’s repeated assurances that it will not pursue nuclear weapons.
In response, Iran attacked Israeli and US bases in the Middle East. Explosions were reported in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.
In a statement, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said it strongly condemned and denounced what it considered “flagrant Iranian aggression and a flagrant violation of the sovereignty” of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan.
“The Kingdom affirms its full solidarity and unwavering support for brother countries, and its willingness to put all its capabilities at their disposal to support any measure they adopt.”
Saudi Arabia also warned of serious consequences arising from continued violations of national sovereignty and international law.
The Kingdom later condemned the attacks on its own areas of Riyadh and in the east, adding that they were repelled.
“These attacks cannot be justified under any pretext or in any way, and occurred despite the fact that the Iranian authorities knew that the Kingdom had stated that it would not allow its airspace or territory to be used to attack Iran. In light of this unjustified aggression, the Kingdom affirms that it will take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its territory, its citizens and its residents, including the option of responding to the aggression.”
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry also called the Iranian missile attack “unacceptable” and said it was a threat to regional peace and security.
He also expressed deep condemnation of the violation of the sovereignty of Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Jordan, promising to safeguard the brotherly states with all measures.
The United Arab Emirates said the attacks were a clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the full solidarity and unwavering support of the United Arab Emirates to the countries in the region affected by these attacks, emphasizing that their security is indivisible and that any infringement of the sovereignty of any State constitutes a direct threat to the security and stability of the entire region.
“The United Arab Emirates reaffirmed its categorical rejection of the use of the territories of regional States as arenas to resolve disputes or expand the scope of the conflict, warning of the serious consequences of continued violations, which undermine regional and international security and threaten global economic stability and energy security.
“The United Arab Emirates reiterated its call for restraint and resorting to diplomatic solutions and serious dialogue, underlining that this remains the most effective path to overcome the current crisis and safeguard regional security and stability,” a statement from its Foreign Ministry said.
He said the UAE retained its full and legitimate right to respond to the attacks in a manner that safeguards its sovereignty, national security and territorial integrity, and ensures the safety of its citizens and residents, in accordance with international law.
“The United Arab Emirates will not tolerate any compromise with its security or sovereignty under any circumstances.”
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the attacks, affirmed its full solidarity with the States that were targeted and its support for all measures to preserve their sovereignty, security and stability.
“The Ministry confirms that the defenses of the State of Kuwait have successfully repelled this aggression in accordance with the adopted operational procedures and respecting the rules of engagement in force, adding that the continuation of these aggressive military actions witnessed in the region will undermine regional security and stability.”
The Saudi crown prince subsequently appealed to the leaders of the Gulf states, affirming Saudi Arabia’s full solidarity with them and declaring his unwavering support and readiness to put all his resources at their disposal to counter the aggression, which he said undermined regional security and stability.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also condemned Iran’s attacks and called for their end.
