Saudi FM: Military option on table after Iran's attacks on Riyadh

Saudi Arabia has warned it may take military action against Iran if necessary, Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan said on Thursday, March 19, following a meeting of Arab and Islamic foreign ministers focused on Iranian attacks across the region.

Speaking to reporters, bin Farhan pointed to recent missile activity targeting the Saudi capital, saying: “Iran’s message today was quite clear… The targeting of Riyadh, while a number of diplomats are meeting, I cannot see as coincidental,” hours after Saudi air defences intercepted ballistic missiles over Riyadh.

He accused Tehran of pursuing coercive tactics rather than diplomacy, stating: “It doesn’t believe in talking to its neighbours. It tries to pressure its neighbours. And what I can say, categorically, that’s not going to work.”

The minister stressed that Saudi Arabia would resist such pressure. “Saudi Arabia is not going to succumb to pressure,” bin Farhan added, warning that such actions would ultimately “backfire.”

Outlining Riyadh’s position, he said: “We have reserved the right to take military actions, if deemed necessary, and if the time comes, the leadership of the Kingdom will take the necessary decision. We will not shy away from protecting our country and our economic resources.”

The remarks came as Iran shifted its focus to energy infrastructure attacks on Wednesday, after accusing the United States and Israel of targeting oil and gas facilities, including the South Pars gas field — the world’s largest natural gas field.

Bin Farhan said two refineries in Riyadh “were attacked,” while an Iranian missile strike also caused “extensive damage” at Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar, a key centre for natural gas processing.

The escalation sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with oil prices surging to $110 per barrel as strikes on critical infrastructure across the Middle East heightened supply concerns.

By Tamilla Hasanova