Saudi Arabia launched numerous unpublicized strikes on Iran in late March in retaliation for attacks carried out in the kingdom during the recent Middle East war, according to Western and Iranian officials.

The Saudi attacks, not previously reported, mark the first known instance of the kingdom directly taking military action on Iranian soil. The development shows Saudi Arabia becoming bolder in defending itself against its main regional rival.

Two Western officials briefed on the matter said the Saudi Air Force carried out the retaliatory strikes, which were assessed to have occurred in late March. One official described them as “tit-for-tat strikes” in response to Saudi Arabia being hit. The specific targets could not be confirmed.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry did not directly address whether the strikes took place. Iran’s Foreign Ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Traditionally, Saudi Arabia has relied on the U.S. military for protection, given their deep military relationship. However, the 10-week war left the kingdom vulnerable to attacks that pierced the U.S. military umbrella.

The Saudi strikes underscore the widening scope of the conflict, which began when the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28. Since then, Iran has hit all six Gulf Cooperation Council states with missiles and drones, attacking civilian sites, airports, oil infrastructure, and closing the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global trade.

It was also reported that the United Arab Emirates carried out military strikes on Iran, revealing a conflict whose true shape has remained largely hidden as Gulf monarchies began hitting back after Iranian attacks. However, Saudi Arabia and the UAE took different approaches, with the UAE taking a more hawkish stance while Saudi Arabia sought to prevent escalation and stayed in contact with Iran.

Iranian and Western officials said Saudi Arabia made Iran aware of the strikes, followed by intensive diplomacy and threats of further retaliation, leading to an understanding to de-escalate. This occurred the week before the U.S. and Iran agreed to a ceasefire on April 7.

Iran and Saudi Arabia, the leading Shiite and Sunni Muslim powers in the region, resumed ties in 2023 after a China-brokered détente. The informal de-escalation and broader ceasefire have seen a reduction in attacks on Saudi Arabia.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)