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Saudi Arabia Carried Covert Strikes on Iran Amid Middle East War: Report
Saudi Arabia reportedly carried out numerous unpublicised strikes on Iran in late March as retaliation for attacks in the kingdom. The moves marked the first publicly known direct Saudi military actions on Iranian soil and followed intensive diplomacy that led to a de-escalation understanding ahead of a broader ceasefire in the region.
Why It Matters
The reported strikes signal a new level of direct Saudi action against Iran and indicate a broader pattern of Gulf states taking retaliatory steps while seeking to avoid wider escalation.
Timeline
7 Events
April 7-8, 2026: spike in attacks on Saudi Arabia
April 7, 2026
The Saudi defence ministry reported 31 drones and 16 missiles fired at the kingdom during April 7-8.
Week of March 25-31, 2026: attacks on Saudi Arabia
March 25, 2026
Western sources tally more than 105 drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia during this week.
Saudi Arabia summons Iraq's ambassador
April 12, 2026
Saudi Arabia summoned Iraq's ambassador to protest attacks launched from Iraqi soil.
Saudi Arabia declares Iran's diplomatic personnel persona non grata
March 22, 2026
Saudi Arabia declared Iran's military attaché and four embassy staff members as persona non grata.
Saudi foreign minister signals readiness to take military action
March 19, 2026
In Riyadh, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the kingdom 'reserved the right to take military actions if deemed necessary'.
De-escalation understanding between Saudi Arabia and Iran
March 2026
An informal de-escalation understanding followed intensive diplomatic engagement and Saudi threats to retaliate further, taking effect in the week before the April 7 wider ceasefire.
Saudi Air Force conducts covert strikes on Iran
March 2026
Saudi strikes on Iran, carried out by the Saudi Air Force, were assessed to have occurred in late March and were not publicly reported; Reuters could not confirm targets.