Saudi Arabia has intensified its diplomatic efforts to contain the escalating confrontation between Israel and Iran, reaffirming its rejection of Israeli military actions and calling for restraint, dialogue, and diplomatic solutions.
Since the launch of Israel’s “Rising Lion” operation against Iran on Friday, Riyadh has positioned itself as a key regional actor working to defuse tensions and prevent further destabilization.
Within hours of the Israeli strikes, the Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation, describing the attacks as a violation of Iranian sovereignty and international law. The Kingdom urged the United Nations and the international community to assume their responsibilities in halting what it called a “heinous aggression.”
The diplomatic push quickly gained momentum. Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan initiated a flurry of calls with regional and international counterparts, beginning with a conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The Saudi side emphasized the need to reject military force and pursue diplomacy, warning that continued aggression would undermine ongoing efforts to de-escalate the crisis.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched a parallel track of high-level consultations with global leaders. As of Monday, the Crown Prince had held at least seven official calls, including with US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
In a significant move reflecting Riyadh’s humanitarian commitment amid the conflict, King Salman ordered the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to facilitate all services for Iranian pilgrims currently in the Kingdom. The order, based on a proposal from the Crown Prince, ensures the safe accommodation and eventual return of Iranian nationals affected by the situation.
The Crown Prince also held a notable call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s assistance. He noted that the Kingdom, given its stature in the Islamic world, could play a central role in promoting unity among Muslim countries.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry has conducted over 20 rounds of consultations in less than four days, including in-person meetings with the British and German foreign ministers in London and Riyadh, as well as a key appearance at the Gulf Cooperation Council’s emergency ministerial meeting.
Analysts say the Kingdom’s approach is rooted in a consistent doctrine that prioritizes diplomacy over force. Political analyst Munif Al-Harbi described Saudi Arabia as a “trusted peace broker,” leveraging strong ties with both Washington and Tehran to push for a return to negotiations, particularly over Iran’s nuclear program.
Political analyst Nidal Al-Sabaa highlighted Saudi Arabia’s balanced regional posture in recent years, which has helped it earn the trust of major powers. He predicted Riyadh will use its influence, especially in Washington, to press for an end to hostilities and keep diplomatic channels open.
