RIYADH (Realist English). Senior Saudi officials have expressed frustration over the scale and timing of US and Israeli strikes on Iran, urging Gulf allies to avoid steps that could provoke further retaliation from Tehran and draw the region into a broader conflict.
According to Gulf sources, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held brief calls on Saturday with the leaders of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing the need for restraint. The outreach followed Iran’s retaliatory strikes across parts of the Arabian Peninsula and a formal Saudi condemnation of the escalation.
The discussions reportedly reflected a shared view that Iran’s response, while serious, was less severe than anticipated, and that Gulf states should avoid direct involvement that could inflame tensions further. Similar messaging was conveyed in follow-up calls by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who focused on coordinating positions among the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members to prevent policy fragmentation.
The phone call between bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed was notable given recent disagreements between the two leaders over regional conflicts, including Yemen and Sudan. The renewed coordination underscored the shockwaves generated by the US-Israeli operation.
Sources said Riyadh had been notified in advance of the strikes but chose not to publicly oppose Washington’s position. Nevertheless, officials described the kingdom as deeply unsettled by how events unfolded, particularly given ongoing diplomatic efforts that appeared close to yielding progress.
Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who had played a central role in mediation efforts, voiced dismay over the attacks and warned against further escalation. In remarks to US media shortly before hostilities erupted, he had pointed to advances in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
Saudi officials are particularly concerned that escalation could activate Iran-aligned groups, including Yemen’s Houthis. Analysts in Riyadh argue that maintaining a posture perceived as non-aligned with the anti-Iran front may help deter the Houthis from entering the conflict.
Some regional observers caution that if the confrontation drags on, Gulf states could face mounting pressure to provide greater operational support to US forces. While the United Arab Emirates reiterated that its territory should not be used to launch attacks on Iran, officials acknowledged that continued Iranian strikes could alter calculations.
Qatar’s former Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani urged GCC states to remain united and avoid being drawn into direct confrontation. He warned that a clash between the council and Iran would drain regional resources and open the door to external interference.
Saudi analysts say Riyadh is likely to pursue a cautious and coordinated diplomatic approach, using back channels to contain hostilities while seeking to preserve regional stability amid rapidly shifting geopolitical dynamics.