Saudi Arabia says its position on regional escalation has not changed

A senior Saudi official told Asharq Al-Awsat that Riyadh has not changed its stance on regional escalation and continues to back diplomatic efforts; the official also reiterated rejection of using Saudi airspace or territory for military operations against Iran.

A senior Saudi official told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Kingdom's position on regional escalation has not changed. The official said Saudi Arabia supports efforts to reach peaceful solutions through diplomacy and dialogue in disputes involving the United States and Iran. The source reiterated the Kingdom's rejection of the use of its airspace or territory in any military operations against Iran. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke by phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian; the call covered regional developments and Iran's nuclear file, and Pezeshkian expressed gratitude for Saudi respect for Iran's sovereignty. Key points: - A senior Saudi official dismissed reports that Riyadh had changed its stance on regional escalation. - Saudi Arabia affirmed support for resolving disputes through diplomacy and dialogue. - The Kingdom reiterated rejection of using its airspace or territories for military operations against Iran. - Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman underscored respect for Tehran's sovereignty during the phone call. - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the talks covered Iran's developments and its nuclear file and thanked Saudi Arabia for its stance. Summary: The statements underscore Riyadh's stated commitment to diplomacy and its refusal to allow Saudi territory or airspace to be used for military actions against Iran. Undetermined at this time.