Saudi crown prince says Riyadh ‘will not accept any aggression’ against Iran

The Saudi message reflects broader regional calculations. Riyadh has sought to ease tensions with Iran amid the Yemen conflict, where the two countries have backed opposing sides.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that the kingdom “will not accept any aggression, threat or provocation against Iran,” according to a readout released by Tehran following a phone call between the two leaders on Tuesday.

The conversation took place as tensions continue to rise between Tehran and Washington.

Iran’s presidential office said the two discussed recent regional and international developments during the call.

Pezeshkian used the exchange to criticize what he described as American conduct, referring to a “12-day war” and accusing the US of acting in bad faith.

“From the Americans’ perspective, negotiations mean ‘they talk, and we act,’” he said. “We engaged in dialogue with the Americans, and they launched a military attack against us in front of the entire world.”

He also referenced recent protests inside Iran, saying, “We appreciate the support of Islamic countries for our people during the recent events, especially that of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

According to the Iranian statement, the crown prince told Pezeshkian that Saudi Arabia “declares its readiness for full cooperation with Iran and other countries in the region in order to establish lasting peace and security.”

Observers say the Saudi message reflects broader regional calculations. Riyadh has sought to ease tensions with Iran amid the Yemen conflict, where the two countries have backed opposing sides, while also reducing reliance on Western security guarantees.

Dr. Eyal Pinko, a Middle East expert who served for more than three decades in Israeli intelligence, told The Algemeiner that Saudi Arabia understands it “cannot rely on the Americans” for arms and is therefore adopting a more moderate posture in the region, also under pressure from France, a key supplier.

Pinko added that Iran may be recalibrating its regional approach following Israeli operations that weakened Hezbollah’s senior leadership. “Iran is spreading its bets all around, not to be on one side or another,” he said.

Hezbollah, along with Hamas in Gaza, had previously been blacklisted by Riyadh as terrorist organizations.