Saudi arabia: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated that the kingdom will not tolerate any threat to its security, emphasizing that ongoing escalation in the region could lead to a broader confrontation.
According to Anadolu Agency, during his address at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, bin Farhan underscored Saudi Arabia's gratitude for the invitation to the summit. He reiterated that the kingdom's territorial integrity and sovereignty are non-negotiable, and any targeting of Saudi territory or facilities will not be accepted.
He further cautioned that escalating tensions in the region could expand the confrontation's scope. The minister highlighted that stability in the Gulf is a global concern, as it is directly tied to the stability of the global economy. Therefore, the current regional focus should be on de-escalation and fostering political and diplomatic efforts.
Bin Farhan emphasized that Gulf security hinges on respect for the sovereignty and independence of Gulf states, noninterference in their internal matters, adherence to good-neighborly relations, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. He also stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and ensuring the safety of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and other international waterways, warning that any disruptions could impact global markets, supply chains, and economic growth.
The remarks followed an incident on Saturday where Saudi authorities reported two injuries after a projectile, launched by Yemen's Houthi group, landed in Al-Tuwal province, located in the southwestern Jazan region. This incident occurred a day after Saudi Arabia reported injuries and a temporary shutdown of the East-West pipeline as a precaution due to drone strikes from Iraq affecting the Riyadh and Medina regions.
These events are part of the ongoing conflict in Yemen, which has persisted since the Houthis captured the capital Sanaa and several provinces in September 2014. This prompted a Saudi-led Arab coalition to intervene in March 2015 in support of Yemen's internationally recognized government.