Saudi Arabia strongly condemns Iran’s moves to disrupt navigation in Strait of Hormuz - Saudi Envoy

• "These attacks constitute a flagrant violation of State sovereignty and a clear breach of international law. They represent a dangerous escalation that cannot be justified under any pretext."
• "Iran’s targeting of vital facilities in the Gulf region constitutes a direct threat to global economic security, with serious repercussions on the stability of energy markets and supply chains."
• "Regional security is a shared responsibility, and international cooperation is the best way to ensure stability and deter threats in line with our commitment to international security."
• "The Kingdom works closely with partners within the OPEC+ framework to support market stability and mitigate fluctuations that could negatively affect the global economy."
• "The international community must take a firm stance to stop Iranian attacks, as continuation of these hostile acts will have dire consequences for international peace and security."

In the midst of war raging in the Middle East, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka, Khalid Hamoud Nasser Aldasam Alkahtani, in an exclusive interview with Daily Mirror, shares his country’s perspectives on the latest developments.

*How does the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia assess the recent Iranian attacks on the Gulf States?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns in the strongest terms the deliberate Iranian attacks using ballistic missiles and drones against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries, which targeted residential areas and civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, and diplomatic missions.

These attacks constitute a flagrant violation of State sovereignty and a clear breach of international law. They represent a dangerous escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region and cannot be justified under any pretext or in any way.

In this context, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia emphasises the necessity of an immediate cessation of these attacks. In a joint statement with several Arab and Islamic countries during the consultative ministerial meeting held in Riyadh on March 18, 2026, the Kingdom called upon Iran to respect international law, humanitarian law, and the principles of good neighbourliness, and to refrain from any provocative actions or threats directed at neighbouring countries, including supporting and arming its affiliated militias or threatening the security of international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also emphasises the need for Iran to comply with Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2817 issued on March 11, 2016, and to immediately cease all its hostile actions.

*To what extent do you believe that Iran’s targeting of vital facilities in the Gulf region poses a threat to global economic security?

Iran’s targeting of vital facilities in the Gulf region constitutes a direct threat to global economic security, not just regional security, given its serious repercussions on the stability of energy markets and supply chains. These Iranian attacks lead to disruptions in oil and gas supplies and a rise in global prices, negatively impacting all economies, especially developing countries, which are the most affected.

*What is your assessment of the Iranian attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Arabian Gulf and disrupting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemns the Iranian attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Arabian Gulf and disrupting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, given their repercussions on regional security and their negative impact on the stability of the global economy, international trade, freedom of navigation, and the safety of supply lines. This, in turn, affects market stability and increases levels of economic anxiety globally. In this context, we emphasise the importance of protecting vital maritime routes and respecting international laws and agreements that guarantee freedom of navigation and its security. We also stress the need for concerted international efforts to deter such acts and prevent their recurrence in order to preserve the region's security and stability.

*What are the efforts the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undertaking, in cooperation with its regional and international partners, to address these challenges?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pursues several paths, including coordination with brotherly and friendly nations, strengthening diplomatic efforts through international channels, and supporting de-escalation efforts. Regional security is a shared responsibility, and international cooperation is the best way to ensure stability and deter threats, in line with its commitment to maintaining regional and international security and stability.

*How does the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia view the future of energy security in light of current challenges?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to play its role as a reliable and active supplier in global energy markets, placing paramount importance on ensuring stable supplies and achieving a balance between supply and demand. In this context, the Kingdom works closely with its partners within the OPEC+ framework to support market stability and mitigate fluctuations that could affect the global economy. The Kingdom’s vision for the energy sector extends beyond traditional approaches to include investment in diversifying energy sources, including renewable energy and modern technologies, which enhances long-term energy security and keeps pace with global transformations. We emphasise that energy security is a shared responsibility, and that international cooperation remains essential to ensuring the sustainability of this vital sector.

*Is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia moving towards adopting new approaches or initiatives to enhance regional security in light of recent developments?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pursues a consistent policy in dealing with regional security issues based on supporting stability, promoting political solutions, and adhering to the principles of respecting the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs. In this context, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia believes that regional developments necessitate greater international coordination and collective action to mitigate the repercussions of conflicts and prevent their escalation.

It also emphasises the importance of intensifying efforts to build a security environment based on dialogue and understanding, and activating regional and international frameworks that contribute to strengthening collective security. Accordingly, any future initiatives in this regard will be an extension of this approach based on partnership, de-escalation, and finding sustainable solutions that preserve the security and stability of the region and serve the interests of its people.

*What message do you have for the international community in light of these developments?

The international community must take a firm stance to stop Iranian attacks on its neighbours and ensure respect for international law and Security Council resolutions, because Iran’s continuation of these hostile acts will have dire consequences for international peace and security and for the stability of the global economy.