Saudi Arabia nears decision to join US strikes on Iran

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the matter, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is nearing a decision to join US-led attacks against Iran.

One source said the kingdom’s entry into the conflict is now a matter of timing. Saudi authorities had previously denied US forces access to their bases and airspace ahead of a planned military operation by the United States and Israel targeting Tehran.

The newspaper reported that Riyadh’s attempt to remain outside the conflict has failed to yield results. It said Tehran has targeted key Saudi energy infrastructure and the capital, Riyadh, using ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Riyadh grants US forces access to military facilities

Following these attacks, Saudi Arabia allowed US forces to use King Fahd Air Base, located in the western Arabian Peninsula. Around the same time, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said Riyadh’s patience is not unlimited. “Any assessment suggesting that Gulf countries cannot respond is incorrect,” he said.

UAE expands economic pressure on Iran

The United Arab Emirates, which has also faced attacks during the same period, has moved to intensify economic pressure on Iran. Authorities in Dubai have shut down institutions linked to Tehran. Officials are also considering freezing billions of dollars in Iranian assets, a step that could restrict Tehran’s access to foreign currency and international trade.

The report added that the UAE is also weighing military options against Iran and is seeking to persuade Washington not to pursue a ceasefire until Iran’s military capabilities are degraded.

According to the Journal, steps taken by Saudi Arabia and the UAE indicate that Arab monarchies are becoming more deeply involved in US and Israeli military actions against Iran.

At the same time, Gulf states remain concerned that direct military involvement could make them explicit targets for Iran and leave them facing more complex relations with Tehran should the United States reduce its presence in the region.

Earlier, foreign ministers from 12 Arab and Islamic countries called on Iran to halt attacks against neighboring states, warning that failure to do so could trigger serious consequences affecting broader Middle East security.