A Saudi source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Kingdom has not permitted its airspace to be used in support of any offensive military operations, stressing that Riyadh is seeking de-escalation and supports Pakistan’s efforts to reach an agreement ending the war.
The source said certain parties were attempting to present a misleading picture of the Kingdom’s position for what he described as “suspicious” motives.
Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Dr. Rayed Krimly reaffirmed the Kingdom’s position calling for de-escalation, avoiding further escalation, and supporting negotiations and efforts aimed at ending the war between Iran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other.
Krimly underscored Riyadh’s consistent position in support of de-escalation and avoiding further escalation, warning in a post on X against "media reports attributed to unnamed sources - some of whom claim to be Saudi - suggesting otherwise."
For his part, Gulf Research Center Chairman Dr. Abdulaziz bin Sager said the Saudi position had been clear from the outset and centered on “avoiding escalation and resolving disputes through political dialogue.”
Bin Sager told Asharq Al-Awsat: “We recall Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which he affirmed that the Kingdom would not allow its territory or airspace to be used in any military operations.”
A senior Saudi Foreign Ministry official had previously told Asharq Al-Awsat on March 24 that the Kingdom had already denied allegations claiming the Saudi leadership preferred prolonging the ongoing war between Iran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other.
The official added that Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan had previously stated, during a press conference following a ministerial meeting of Arab and Islamic countries in Riyadh, that Iranian attacks must stop, that the Kingdom’s patience has limits, and that Riyadh reserves the right to respond and deter aggression through political and other measures.
According to bin Sager, Saudi Arabia’s key demands include “halting Iranian attacks, securing guarantees to end the war, preventing Iranian interference in the internal affairs of Gulf and other Arab states, as well as ensuring maritime and energy security.”
He added: “The Kingdom is seeking to lower tensions and create space for negotiations, and believes that any escalation could obstruct talks and affect the Strait of Hormuz.”
Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasel, said Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors for international trade and global energy security.
Al-Wasel made the remarks during a joint press conference in New York between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United States regarding a draft resolution on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Saudi diplomat said any threat to freedom of navigation in the strait would directly affect the stability of global markets and international supply chains. He also warned of the humanitarian and economic repercussions of disruptions to the flow of essential goods, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid.
Al-Wasel stressed the importance of safeguarding maritime security and ensuring the safe and uninterrupted flow of international trade in accordance with international law.
He called for coordinated international action to de-escalate tensions and prevent the crisis from worsening in a way that would preserve regional and international security and stability.
The Saudi diplomat also emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation to protect vital maritime corridors and maintain international peace and security.
