International
MBS to Pezeshkian: No Saudi Land or Airspace for Attacks on Iran
Wednesday, 28 January 2026 , 09:35 AM
Saudi Arabia has explicitly stated that it will not permit the use of its airspace or territory for any military operations against Iran.
According to the Saudi state news agency SPA, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman clarified this position during a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday (January 27).
The report noted that during the call, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to resolving differences through dialogue and diplomatic initiatives to bolster regional security and stability.
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that President Pezeshkian emphasized Tehran’s readiness to welcome any anti-war initiatives conducted within the framework of international law.
This development follows a similar declaration by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which announced that it would not allow its airspace, land, or territorial waters to be used for "hostile" military actions against Iran.
Rising Regional Tensions
These statements come as tensions escalate regarding U.S. military movements in the Middle East. U.S. officials have confirmed the deployment of significant military assets, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
Last week, President Donald Trump stated that the United States is dispatching a massive naval fleet to the Middle East to maintain pressure on Iran.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One following the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the President said,
"We are keeping an eye on Iran. A lot of our ships are heading there. We don't want anything to happen, but we are staying prepared."
On Monday, Reuters cited two U.S. officials confirming that a U.S. aircraft carrier and vital military equipment have already arrived in the region.
This deployment aims to enhance the security capabilities of U.S. forces while simultaneously fueling concerns over potential military action against Iran.
Internal Strife in Iran
Domestically, Iran continues to face turmoil. Human rights organizations claim that thousands have been killed in recent clashes between security forces and protesters, describing it as the most severe crackdown since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
However, Iranian authorities maintain that "terrorists and rioters" backed by foreign-based opposition groups are responsible for the unrest and loss of life.