By By Elizabeth Ugbo
On Thursday, the UAE Defence Ministry reported that its air defences intercepted 13 ballistic missiles and 27 drones launched by Iran, while operations at the Habshan gas facility were suspended due to debris from the interceptions.
Saudi Arabia Warns Iran Over Regional Attacks
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, warned Tehran that tolerance for attacks on the Kingdom and its Gulf neighbours is limited. He urged Iran to immediately “recalculate” its strategy to avoid further escalation.
Prince Faisal emphasized that rebuilding trust with Iran will take years, given Tehran’s decade-long strategy of targeting regional neighbours. “This is not improvisation; it’s premeditated,” he said.
Iran Targets Gulf Oil and Gas Facilities
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) previously threatened retaliation against oil and gas facilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The attacks followed an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gasfield.
- UAE: 13 ballistic missiles and 27 drones intercepted, Habshan gas facility temporarily halted.
- Saudi Arabia: Four missiles intercepted over Riyadh, two toward the eastern region.
- Qatar: Ras Laffan Industrial City hit, causing significant damage. This LNG hub produces 20% of global supply.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, calling it “blatant” and “unacceptable.”
Prince Faisal Highlights Gulf Readiness
Prince Faisal underlined the Kingdom’s and its partners’ readiness to respond. “We have very significant capabilities and capacities,” he said. He avoided specifying what would trigger defensive action but stressed that patience is limited.
“The precision of Iran’s attacks shows they were carefully planned, premeditated, and organized,” he added.
Regional Response and Diplomacy
The warning followed a Saudi-hosted meeting of Arab and Islamic foreign ministers discussing the widening regional conflict. Attacks on Gulf energy sites prompted urgent coordination and security reassessment among neighbouring states.
Prince Faisal expressed doubt that Iran would stop without pressure, urging Tehran to understand the consequences of its actions.
