Saudi Assures Iran No Airspace Use for Attacks Amid US Buildup

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman assured Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during a phone call on Tuesday that Riyadh would not permit its airspace or territory to be used for any military actions against Iran, as regional tensions escalated following a United States naval deployment toward the country. The conversation, which also involved discussions on promoting dialogue for regional stability, came amid reports of a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group arriving in the Middle East, expanding American military capabilities in the area.

The Saudi stance echoed a similar position from the United Arab Emirates, which announced on Monday that it would not provide logistical support or allow its airspace or territorial waters to serve as a base for hostile operations against Tehran. These developments reflect growing coordination among Gulf states to prioritize de-escalation, building on a 2023 agreement that has eased longstanding rivalries between Saudi Arabia and Iran, particularly over conflicts like Yemen where the two nations previously supported opposing sides.

The diplomatic outreach occurred against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to send the...