The United States condemns the attacks on Saudi Arabia and affirms its support for Riyadh's security
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held a telephone conversation with His Excellency President Donald Trump of the United States. During the call, the US President expressed the United States' strong condemnation of the missile attacks targeting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and commended the efficiency of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces in successfully intercepting and countering the missiles.
President Trump affirmed the United States' full support for Saudi Arabia in confronting threats to its security and stability. He also emphasized Washington's support for all measures taken by Riyadh to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens and residents from these Iranian violations, which aim to destabilize the entire region.
Background of the conflict and context of the attacks
These attacks come in the context of the years-long conflict in Yemen, where the Iranian-backed Houthi militia frequently launches ballistic missiles and drones toward Saudi cities and vital infrastructure. These attacks have escalated since the Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the legitimate government. Saudi Arabia and the United States consider these attacks not only to be targeting the Kingdom but also a threat to international navigation and global energy security, given the region's strategic importance.
The importance and impact of the American position
The American position represents vital political and military support for the Kingdom. The United States is Saudi Arabia's most prominent strategic partner, a partnership rooted in decades of cooperation in energy, security, and counterterrorism. This support is translated into practical action through the provision of state-of-the-art air defense systems, such as Patriot missile batteries, as well as intelligence sharing and logistical cooperation. Washington's reaffirmation of its commitment to the security of its Gulf allies sends a clear message of deterrence to Iran and its proxies in the region, and helps reassure global markets, which are closely monitoring any escalation that could affect oil supplies.
Regional and international dimensions
Regionally, these attacks and the international response to them reflect the depth of the tension between Riyadh and Tehran. The White House's condemnation of "Iranian violations" reinforces the Saudi narrative that Iran is the primary driver of instability in the Middle East through its support for armed militias. Internationally, maintaining Saudi security is a priority for major powers to ensure the stability of global energy markets and secure vital waterways such as the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Therefore, any successful attack on Saudi oil facilities would not only affect the region but would also impact the entire global economy.
