Riyadh has thrown its weight behind neighboring Gulf states targeted in Iran’s ballistic missile offensive, issuing a sharp rebuke of Tehran’s actions and signaling that continued violations of international law would carry serious repercussions.
The Saudi foreign ministry released a statement on Saturday condemning what it described as Iran’s aggression against the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan. “Saudi Arabia condemns Iran’s blatant aggression and violations of the sovereignty” of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan, expressing full solidarity with the states and warning of grave consequences if such breaches of international law continue,” the statement read.
The condemnation comes as the UAE grapples with the aftermath of an Iranian ballistic missile attack that its air defence systems partially intercepted. Debris from the strike landed in a residential area, killing one civilian of Asian nationality and causing material damage.
The UAE Ministry of Defense had already characterized the attack as a flagrant breach of national sovereignty and international law, a position Saudi Arabia’s statement now echoes on a regional scale. Abu Dhabi has affirmed its right to respond and to take all measures it deems necessary to protect its citizens, residents, and territory.
NCEMA, meanwhile, has urged UAE residents to avoid approaching or photographing any shrapnel or unidentified objects on the ground as authorities continue post-strike operations across affected areas.
