Saudi Arabia Warns Iran It May Open Bases to US Forces

Saudi Arabia has issued a stark warning to Iran, stating that continued attacks on its energy sector could lead the Kingdom to grant the United States military access to its bases and take retaliatory measures. The warning was delivered during a high-level diplomatic exchange this week.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud conveyed this position directly to his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi. The Saudi minister emphasized that while Riyadh remains open to any form of mediation to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, it will not tolerate ongoing assaults on its critical infrastructure.

In response, Tehran reportedly demanded the closure of American military bases across the region and an end to the sharing of intelligence information with Washington by certain Gulf states. Iran contends that this intelligence is being used to facilitate attacks against its interests.

Iranian sources confirmed that a phone call took place between the two nations, during which Saudi Arabia insisted that Tehran must cease its attacks not only on the Kingdom but also on neighboring Gulf states. Iran reiterated its stance that recent strikes were not aimed at these countries themselves but were targeted at US military installations located within their territories.

The diplomatic friction occurs against a backdrop of heightened regional military activity. In late February, US and Israeli forces began conducting strikes on targets inside Iran, including near Tehran, with reports of destruction and civilian casualties. Iran has since launched retaliatory strikes against Israeli territory and US military assets across the Middle East.