Saudi Official Denies Reports of Pressure for US Strike on Iran
A high-level Saudi official on Sunday, February 1, 2026, denied United States media reports claiming that Riyadh was pressing Washington to launch a military strike against Iran. The unnamed official, whose comments were carried by the Saudi-owned Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper, reiterated Saudi Arabia's consistent support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between the US and Iran through dialogue and diplomatic channels.
The official explicitly stated that reports suggesting a change in the Kingdom's position regarding a potential US attack on Tehran were 'untrue'. This statement comes amidst heightened regional tensions and speculation surrounding the US-Iran relationship.
Rejection of Military Action and Emphasis on Dialogue
The denial directly addressed claims made by the US news portal Axios, which had reported that Riyadh urged Washington to strike Tehran, warning that a failure to do so could strengthen the Iranian regime. The Saudi official underscored the Kingdom's firm rejection of allowing its airspace or territory to be used for any military action against Iran.
This stance aligns with recent diplomatic efforts. On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reiterated Saudi Arabia's support for resolving disputes through dialogue to ensure regional stability.
Broader Regional Calls for De-escalation
The Saudi official's remarks are part of a broader regional push for de-escalation. Other Gulf partners, including Qatar, Oman, and Egypt, have also urged Washington to avoid military action against Iran, citing concerns about regional destabilization. These diplomatic efforts aim to prevent further escalation in a region already marked by significant geopolitical complexities.
5 Comments
Africa
This statement offers a glimmer of hope for de-escalation in a tense region. Still, given the history of covert operations and conflicting interests, it’s hard to ignore the possibility that this is a temporary stance driven by immediate political pressures.
Bermudez
Just PR spin. Their actions tell a different story.
Habibi
It's good that Riyadh is publicly rejecting military solutions and promoting diplomacy. Nevertheless, their consistent support for certain factions in other conflicts raises questions about the sincerity of their commitment to universal de-escalation.
Comandante
It's encouraging to hear Saudi Arabia emphasize peaceful resolution, which is vital for regional stability. However, past actions and ongoing proxy conflicts make it difficult to fully trust this statement at face value.
Bella Ciao
This is the right approach. Peaceful resolution benefits everyone.