The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia carried out a series of covert airstrikes on Iran in late March, in retaliation for attacks on the kingdom during the ongoing regional war, according to Western and Iranian officials.
The previously unreported strikes mark the first known instance of Saudi Arabia conducting direct military action on Iranian territory, signaling a more assertive stance by Riyadh against its main regional rival.
According to two Western officials, the strikes were conducted by the Saudi Air Force as “tit-for-tat” retaliation after attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. However, specific targets could not be independently confirmed.
Saudi Arabia did not directly confirm whether the strikes took place, and Iran’s foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
The developments highlight the widening scope of a conflict that began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, drawing multiple countries across the Middle East into the confrontation.
Since then, Iran has reportedly targeted Gulf Cooperation Council states with missiles and drones, striking military bases, civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, and disrupting global trade by closing the Strait of Hormuz.
The report also noted that the United Arab Emirates carried out similar strikes on Iran, reflecting a broader regional response by Gulf states to Iranian attacks.
Despite the escalation, Saudi Arabia has also pursued diplomatic channels to prevent further conflict. Officials said Riyadh informed Tehran about the strikes, followed by intensive diplomatic engagement and warnings of further retaliation, which contributed to an informal understanding between the two sides to de-escalate tensions.
Ali Vaez said such actions reflect a pragmatic recognition by both sides that unchecked escalation could carry serious consequences and risk a wider regional war.
Iran and Saudi Arabia, long-standing rivals in the Middle East, have supported opposing sides in regional conflicts. A China-brokered agreement in 2023 helped restore diplomatic ties between the two countries after years of tension.
The situation remains fragile, with intermittent attacks continuing even as diplomatic efforts aim to contain the conflict and prevent further escalation.
