Iran scales back Saudi attacks to avoid wider war

Iran has moved to limit its attacks on Saudi Arabia amid concerns that continued strikes could provoke a direct military response from Riyadh, The Jerusalem Post reports.

Since the start of the conflict, Iran has launched more than 430 missiles and drones toward Saudi Arabia. The majority of drone strikes have targeted the kingdom’s Eastern Province, home to key oil refining infrastructure, as well as Shaybah, a major oil field in the Empty Quarter. Missile attacks have largely been directed at Al-Kharj, located about 80 kilometres southeast of Riyadh and the site of Prince Sultan Air Base.

The scale and targeting of these strikes have raised tensions, but sources indicate that Tehran is now recalibrating its approach. Iranian officials reportedly believe that “the Saudis are on edge,” and fear that sustained large-scale attacks could trigger a significant escalation.

According to the sources, Iran is particularly wary of crossing thresholds that could prompt Saudi Arabia to abandon restraint and respond with direct strikes against Iranian territory—an outcome both sides have so far avoided.

Saudi officials have previously communicated clear red lines, including in discussions with Tehran. Chief among these is any attack on critical civilian infrastructure, specifically electricity generation and water desalination facilities, which are vital to the kingdom’s population and economic stability.

By Vafa Guliyeva