Saudi Arabia Warns Iran Against ‘Misguided Calculations’ Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Riyadh, March 2026 : Saudi Arabia on Saturday cautioned Iran against engaging in what it described as “misguided calculations” as tensions across West Asia continue to escalate amid an expanding regional conflict involving missile and drone attacks.

The warning was issued by Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud following a meeting in Riyadh with Asim Munir, the Army Chief of Pakistan. The discussions focused on the evolving security situation in the region and the growing threats posed by cross-border attacks.

After the meeting, the Saudi defence minister urged Tehran to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could worsen the already volatile situation. He expressed hope that Iranian authorities would “act with wisdom and reason” in handling the current crisis.

The statement comes as Iran has reportedly launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and positions linked to the United States military presence in the region. In addition, hundreds of ballistic missiles and thousands of drones have been directed toward several Arab states in the Gulf.

According to regional reports, some of these attacks have targeted energy infrastructure, civilian areas and military installations across the Gulf region, raising concerns about broader instability and risks to global energy supplies.

Saudi authorities said their air defence systems had successfully intercepted several aerial threats in recent days. The Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed that a ballistic missile aimed at a key military installation was destroyed before reaching its target.

“A ballistic missile launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base was intercepted and destroyed,” the ministry said in a statement shared on social media.

Officials also reported that four drones were shot down on Friday. According to the defence ministry, three drones were intercepted in eastern areas of Riyadh, while another was neutralised northeast of the capital. In a separate incident, a cruise missile was intercepted over the city of Al Kharj.

Earlier in the week, Iranian drones reportedly targeted the Embassy of the United States, Riyadh. Saudi officials said two drones struck the compound, causing a small fire and minor structural damage. Authorities described the damage as limited and confirmed that the situation had been brought under control.

Following the incident, the United States Embassy in Riyadh advised American citizens to avoid visiting the embassy compound as a precautionary measure.

Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure has also been placed on high alert amid the attacks. The Ras Tanura Refinery — one of the country’s major oil processing facilities — was reportedly targeted in a drone assault earlier during the crisis.

However, Saudi air defence forces successfully intercepted the incoming drone before it could strike the facility, according to a military spokesperson cited by the Saudi Press Agency.

The Ras Tanura refinery is considered one of the most important oil processing sites in Saudi Arabia, with a production capacity exceeding 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Its strategic importance has made it a potential target during periods of regional tension.

Saudi authorities say they remain vigilant as security forces continue monitoring threats across the region while urging all parties to avoid further escalation that could destabilise West Asia and disrupt global energy markets.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)