A report published by The New York Times, written by its Riyadh correspondent Vivian Nereim, reveals that Saudi Arabia has faced hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks since the outbreak of the war. Despite the intensity of these attacks, the Saudi government has remained largely silent on key incidents, including a recent strike on a Saudi airbase that reportedly injured 12 American soldiers.
This silence reflects the sensitive position Saudi Arabia finds itself in amid the escalating US-Israeli war against Iran. While the Kingdom remains a close ally of the United States and a regional rival to Iran, it has not officially declared participation in the war or publicly endorsed it, despite being directly impacted by ongoing attacks. Most incoming projectiles have reportedly been intercepted, although some have caused civilian casualties and damage to oil infrastructure.
Strategic Ambiguity and Political Pressure
Last week, former US President Donald Trump told reporters that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was “fighting alongside us.” However, Saudi leadership has not confirmed such involvement, highlighting a clear contradiction between US political messaging and official Saudi positions.
According to Bader Al-Saif, an assistant professor at Kuwait University, this divergence underscores the complex pressures Gulf governments are facing. He noted that Gulf states are navigating multiple fronts simultaneously: defending against daily Iranian attacks while also countering a US-Israeli narrative that attempts to portray them as active participants in the war. Despite clearly stated positions, he emphasised that none of the involved parties appears to be listening.
Official Denials and Domestic Sensitivities
Saudi Arabia, along with most Gulf states, has officially declared that it does not permit the use of its territory or airspace for US attacks against Iran. This stance is partly driven by fears of attracting further Iranian retaliation, but also by domestic considerations.
The presence of American troops in Saudi Arabia remains a controversial issue among citizens, particularly in the context of a joint US-Israeli military campaign. Historical precedent reinforces this sensitivity, as the arrival of US forces during the 1990s Gulf War following Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait triggered widespread opposition that was later suppressed.
Reality on the Ground: Undisclosed Military Presence
Despite frequent claims by Saudi analysts that there are no US military bases in the Kingdom, a significant American military presence does exist, particularly at Prince Sultan Air Base, located southeast of Riyadh. The ongoing war with Iran has brought renewed attention to this reality, especially as the base has been repeatedly targeted.
During a recent missile and drone attack on the facility, at least two KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft were reportedly damaged, and 12 American soldiers were injured, according to US officials who were not authorised to speak publicly. These details were disclosed last Friday, although the exact timing of the attack remains unclear.
Notably, the Saudi Ministry of Defence issued several statements regarding recent attacks but did not mention the strike on the airbase. Instead, it reported intercepting three drones, stating that debris fell within a military zone and caused no injuries.
Contradictions and Rising Criticism
This apparent discrepancy has been seized upon by Saudi opposition figures. Abdullah Alaoudh, a member of an exiled opposition group, criticised the lack of transparency, stating that there is neither credibility with citizens nor openness with the international community. He warned that national security is being compromised by the presence of foreign military bases.
The exact stance of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding the war remains unclear. Sources cited by The New York Times suggest that he has privately encouraged President Trump to continue the war against Iran, describing it as a “historic opportunity” to reshape the Middle East.
Earlier this month, the Saudi Foreign Minister warned that the Kingdom’s patience with Iran may be running out, asserting its right to take military action if necessary. However, Saudi officials have firmly rejected claims that the Crown Prince is seeking to prolong the conflict.
In an official statement last week, the Saudi government reiterated its long-standing position in favour of a peaceful resolution, stating that it has supported diplomatic solutions even before the conflict began.
Escalating Rhetoric and Regional Implications
Despite these denials, Trump has continued to assert that Gulf countries are actively participating in the war. Speaking at a conference in Miami hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, he claimed that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait were all fighting alongside the United States.
Saudi authorities have not responded to requests for comment regarding Trump’s statements or the reported attack that injured American soldiers, further reinforcing the climate of ambiguity surrounding the Kingdom’s role in the conflict.
