Saudi officials warn Washington to use only limited strikes against Iran

Riyadh fears a broad assault would reinforce Tehran’s narrative that foreign powers are scheming against the country.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Saudi officials are cautioning Washington that an expansive US strike on Iran could strengthen the Islamic Republic rather than weaken it, urging President Donald Trump to limit any potential action to high-level regime targets as the nationwide protest movement enters its third week.

A source from the Saudi royal family told Israel’s N12 network that Riyadh fears a broad assault would reinforce Tehran’s narrative that foreign powers are scheming against the country, a message the regime has repeatedly used to justify repression.

The official said an operation perceived as symbolic or unfocused could “achieve the opposite of any declared goal,” warning that the leadership in Tehran is prepared to exploit any external misstep.

According to the source, only narrow strikes aimed at senior figures involved in directing the crackdown would align with what many Iranians might accept.

He argued that “the regime wants ‘symbolism’ to alleviate widespread anti-regime unrest,” while more targeted action “would be a rescue operation for them from repression, and they would not see it as negative foreign interference but as positive foreign intervention that respects their independence.”

The source said Gulf governments share concern that a major US operation could halt the protest momentum they have “been waiting for a long time,” adding that enhanced internet access through free Starlink service, combined with pinpoint strikes on leaders commanding repression forces, would be far more constructive than a sweeping attack.

Any move perceived as foreign intrusion, he warned, could trigger Iranian retaliation in the Strait of Hormuz and destabilize global shipping.

The comments surface as regional governments privately press the White House to avoid steps that could endanger energy markets.

Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar have already told US officials that an effort to topple the Iranian regime would disrupt oil supplies and ultimately hit the American economy.

At the same time, Tehran is signaling it is prepared to strike back if attacked.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that regional states were warned US bases on their territory would be targeted if Washington moves militarily, saying they were asked to “prevent Washington from attacking Iran.”

Trump has continued to issue direct warnings to Tehran, saying any retaliation would draw a US response at levels “never seen before.”