Saudi Arabia secretly launched a series of retaliatory airstrikes on Iran earlier this year after the kingdom came under repeated missile and drone attacks during the broader Middle East conflict, according to two Western officials and two Iranian officials familiar with the matter. The previously undisclosed operations mark the first known instance of Saudi Arabia directly carrying out military strikes on Iranian territory, signaling a more assertive approach by Riyadh toward its longtime regional rival.The attacks, reportedly conducted by the Saudi Air Force in late March, were described by one Western official as ‘tit-for-tat strikes in retaliation for when Saudi was hit’.&nbsp;Reuters could not independently verify the exact targets of the strikes. Responding to questions about the claims, a senior Saudi foreign ministry official did not directly confirm whether the strikes occurred. Iran’s foreign ministry also declined to comment. Saudi Arabia has historically depended heavily on the United States for military protection. However, the 10-week regional war exposed vulnerabilities in the kingdom’s defenses after Iranian missiles and drones reportedly penetrated the US security umbrella. The conflict, which escalated after US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, has quietly expanded across the region. According to reports, Iran launched missile and drone attacks against all six Gulf Cooperation Council states, targeting military installations, airports, civilian infrastructure and oil facilities while also disrupting global trade by closing the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;The United Arab Emirates was also reported to have carried out strikes on Iran, indicating that Gulf Arab states hit by Iranian attacks began retaliating militarily. Still, Saudi Arabia pursued a more cautious strategy than the UAE, maintaining diplomatic communication with Tehran while trying to avoid a broader regional escalation.A senior Saudi official reiterated Riyadh’s position, stating: “We reaffirm Saudi Arabia’s consistent position advocating de-escalation, self-restraint and the reduction of tensions in pursuit of the stability, security and prosperity of the region and its people.” Iranian and Western officials said Saudi Arabia informed Tehran about the strikes in advance, which was followed by intense diplomacy and warnings of further retaliation. These discussions reportedly led to an informal understanding between the two countries to reduce tensions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-don-t-need-any-help-with-iran-says-president-trump-as-he-departs-for-china-1778614628638">‘We don’t need any help with Iran,’ says President Trump as he departs for China</a>&nbsp;The de-escalation reportedly started shortly before Washington and Tehran agreed to a broader ceasefire on April 7. One Iranian official said the understanding aimed to “cease hostilities, safeguard mutual interests, and prevent the escalation of tensions.” Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have long been shaped by sectarian and geopolitical rivalry, with both powers backing opposing factions in regional conflicts. Saudi Arabia has also managed to keep oil exports flowing during the conflict because shipping through the Red Sea remained largely uninterrupted.&nbsp;Tensions had been building for weeks before the strikes. On March 19, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan warned that the kingdom “reserved the right to take military actions if deemed necessary.” Days later, Saudi Arabia expelled Iran’s military attaché and four embassy officials. Western officials said diplomatic engagement and Saudi threats of further retaliation eventually contributed to a sharp decline in attacks on the kingdom. Western sources said many of the projectiles launched toward Saudi Arabia shortly before the ceasefire were believed to have originated from Iraq rather than Iran directly, suggesting Tehran scaled back direct involvement while allied militias remained active.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-is-nandini-harinath-the-woman-behind-india-s-mars-mission-honoured-in-washington-1778606991920/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-is-nandini-harinath-the-woman-behind-india-s-mars-mission-honoured-in-washington-1778606991920/embed</a><h2>Iran rejects Kuwait’s ‘baseless’ claims over Bubiyan Island incident</h2>Iran on Tuesday dismissed as ‘absolutely baseless’ allegations made by Kuwait that four Iranian officers attempted to infiltrate Bubiyan Island, insisting the individuals entered Kuwaiti waters due to disruptions in their navigational systems. In a statement, Iran’s foreign ministry said it strongly condemns the improper action of the Kuwaiti government in politically and propagandistically exploiting the case. Kuwaiti authorities had arrested the four men earlier this month and on Tuesday accused them of being officers linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Saudi Arabia reportedly carried out secret retaliatory airstrikes on Iran during the Middle East conflict, signaling rising regional tensions and diplomatic efforts to avoid wider war

Saudi Arabia secretly launched a series of retaliatory airstrikes on Iran earlier this year after the kingdom came under repeated missile and drone attacks during the broader Middle East conflict, according to two Western officials and two Iranian officials familiar with the matter. The previously undisclosed operations mark the first known instance of Saudi Arabia directly carrying out military strikes on Iranian territory, signaling a more assertive approach by Riyadh toward its longtime regional rival. The attacks, reportedly conducted by the Saudi Air Force in late March, were described by one Western official as ‘tit-for-tat strikes in retaliation for when Saudi was hit’. Reuters could not independently verify the exact targets of the strikes. Responding to questions about the claims, a senior Saudi foreign ministry official did not directly confirm whether the strikes occurred. Iran’s foreign ministry also declined to comment. Saudi Arabia has historically depended heavily on the United States for military protection. However, the 10-week regional war exposed vulnerabilities in the kingdom’s defenses after Iranian missiles and drones reportedly penetrated the US security umbrella. The conflict, which escalated after US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, has quietly expanded across the region. According to reports, Iran launched missile and drone attacks against all six Gulf Cooperation Council states, targeting military installations, airports, civilian infrastructure and oil facilities while also disrupting global trade by closing the Strait of Hormuz. The United Arab Emirates was also reported to have carried out strikes on Iran, indicating that Gulf Arab states hit by Iranian attacks began retaliating militarily. Still, Saudi Arabia pursued a more cautious strategy than the UAE, maintaining diplomatic communication with Tehran while trying to avoid a broader regional escalation. A senior Saudi official reiterated Riyadh’s position, stating: “We reaffirm Saudi Arabia’s consistent position advocating de-escalation, self-restraint and the reduction of tensions in pursuit of the stability, security and prosperity of the region and its people.” Iranian and Western officials said Saudi Arabia informed Tehran about the strikes in advance, which was followed by intense diplomacy and warnings of further retaliation. These discussions reportedly led to an informal understanding between the two countries to reduce tensions. Also Read: ‘We don’t need any help with Iran,’ says President Trump as he departs for China The de-escalation reportedly started shortly before Washington and Tehran agreed to a broader ceasefire on April 7. One Iranian official said the understanding aimed to “cease hostilities, safeguard mutual interests, and prevent the escalation of tensions.” Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have long been shaped by sectarian and geopolitical rivalry, with both powers backing opposing factions in regional conflicts. Saudi Arabia has also managed to keep oil exports flowing during the conflict because shipping through the Red Sea remained largely uninterrupted. Tensions had been building for weeks before the strikes. On March 19, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan warned that the kingdom “reserved the right to take military actions if deemed necessary.” Days later, Saudi Arabia expelled Iran’s military attaché and four embassy officials. Western officials said diplomatic engagement and Saudi threats of further retaliation eventually contributed to a sharp decline in attacks on the kingdom. Western sources said many of the projectiles launched toward Saudi Arabia shortly before the ceasefire were believed to have originated from Iraq rather than Iran directly, suggesting Tehran scaled back direct involvement while allied militias remained active. https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-is-nandini-harinath-the-woman-behind-india-s-mars-mission-honoured-in-washington-1778606991920/embed Iran rejects Kuwait’s ‘baseless’ claims over Bubiyan Island incident Iran on Tuesday dismissed as ‘absolutely baseless’ allegations made by Kuwait that four Iranian officers attempted to infiltrate Bubiyan Island, insisting the individuals entered Kuwaiti waters due to disruptions in their navigational systems. In a statement, Iran’s foreign ministry said it strongly condemns the improper action of the Kuwaiti government in politically and propagandistically exploiting the case. Kuwaiti authorities had arrested the four men earlier this month and on Tuesday accused them of being officers linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

According to report, Saudi Arabia secretly launched retaliatory strikes on Iran during the Middle East war before both sides moved to de-escalate tensions

Saudi Arabia 'secretly' launched retaliatory airstrikes on Iran amid regional war escalation: Report

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrived Thursday in Riyadh, his first official Saudi trip since a landmark rapprochement in March, state media reported.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrived Thursday in Riyadh, his first official Saudi trip since a landmark rapprochement in March, state media reported. A Chinese-brokered deal saw the long-time rivals agreeing to restore diplomatic relations and reopen their respective embassies. Shiite-dominated Iran and Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia severed ties in 2016 after Saudi diplomatic missions in the Islamic republic were attacked during protests over Riyadh's execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr. Amir-Abdollahian "arrived at Riyadh Airport a few minutes ago for a one-day trip, and was welcomed by the deputy foreign minister of Saudi Arabia," official news agency IRNA said. The visit "is focusing on bilateral ties, regional and international issues", according to the IRIB state broadcaster. IRNA said Amir-Abdollahian was due to meet with his Saudi counterpart and other officials in the kingdom. The minister was accompanied by the new Iranian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, the report added. State media reported in May Tehran had named Alireza Enayati, a former ambassador to Kuwait, as the Islamic republic's Saudi envoy. Watch | Iran trying to mend ties with Saudi Arabia? × Mending relations In June, Prince Faisal bin Farhan became the first Saudi foreign minister to travel to Iran since 2006. Earlier that month Iran had reopened its embassy in Riyadh with a flag-raising ceremony. On Wednesday, Iranian state media said military officials from both countries met in Moscow on the sidelines of a security conference. Amir-Abdollahian has said this week that the new ambassador to Riyadh is accompanying him during Thursday's visit to "officially start his mission". On August 9, Iran said the Saudi embassy in Tehran had begun operations but Riyadh has yet to confirm. Iran and Saudi Arabia have backed opposing sides in conflicts across the Middle East for years. Also read | Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West Iran has in recent months been at odds with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait over a disputed gas field. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait claim "sole ownership" to the field - known as Arash in Iran and Dorra in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia - with Tehran warning it would "pursue its right" to the offshore zone if negotiations fail. Iran has intensified its diplomatic activity in recent months and pushed for closer ties with other Arab countries in a bid to reduce its isolation and improve its economy. Since the March deal, Saudi Arabia has restored ties with Iranian ally Syria and ramped up a push for peace in Yemen, where it has for years led a military coalition against the Iran-backed Huthi forces. The Islamic republic has been reeling under crippling US sanctions since Washington's 2018 withdrawal from a landmark nuclear deal under then-president Donald Trump. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Thaw in ties: Iranian foreign minister arrives in Riyadh for first Saudi visit after China-brokered deal

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister says that if Iran gets nuclear weapons, then "All bets are off." What does that mean? How will it change the geopolitical scenario in West Asia? @PriyankaSh25 brings you the details.

WION Fineprint | Saudi: All bets off if Iran gets Nukes

Iraq&nbsp;will&nbsp;host&nbsp;another&nbsp;round&nbsp;of&nbsp;talks&nbsp;between regional foes&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;on Wednesday, the foreign&nbsp;ministry&nbsp;in Baghdad said on Saturday, without giving further details.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein revealed the development during remarks at a diplomatic forum in Antalya on Turkey's southern coast cited by local media. A foreign&nbsp;ministry&nbsp;spokesman confirmed the comments to Reuters.

The&nbsp;talks&nbsp;will be the fourth&nbsp;round&nbsp;hosted by Baghdad between officials from its two neighbours and mutual adversaries, according to local media.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal-eu-says-pause-in-vienna-talks-needed-due-to-external-factors-pointing-at-russia-461363">Iran nuclear deal: EU says 'pause' in Vienna talks needed due to 'external factors' pointing at Russia</a>

The&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;ministry&nbsp;did not respond to request for comment.

Diplomats hope the opening of direct channels between&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;will signal an easing of tensions across the Middle East after years of&nbsp;hostilities that have brought the region close to a full-scale conflict.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-blogger-raif-badawi-released-after-10-years-in-prison-461523">Saudi blogger Raif Badawi released after 10 years in prison</a>

Talks&nbsp;to revive the 2015&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;nuclear deal on Friday faced the prospect of collapse after a last-minute Russian demand forced world powers to pause negotiations for an undetermined time despite having a largely completed text.

Negotiators have reached the final stages of 11 months of discussions to restore the deal, which lifted sanctions on&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;in return for curbs on its nuclear programme, long seen by the West as a cover for developing atomic bombs.

Iraq will host another round of talks between regional foes Iran and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, the foreign ministry in Baghdad said on Saturday, without giving further details.

Iraq will host another round of talks between regional foes Iran and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, the foreign ministry in Baghdad said on Saturday, without giving further details. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein revealed the development during remarks at a diplomatic forum in Antalya on Turkey's southern coast cited by local media. A foreign ministry spokesman confirmed the comments to Reuters. The talks will be the fourth round hosted by Baghdad between officials from its two neighbours and mutual adversaries, according to local media. Also read | Iran nuclear deal: EU says 'pause' in Vienna talks needed due to 'external factors' pointing at Russia The Saudi foreign ministry did not respond to request for comment. Diplomats hope the opening of direct channels between Iran and Saudi Arabia will signal an easing of tensions across the Middle East after years of hostilities that have brought the region close to a full-scale conflict. Also read | Saudi blogger Raif Badawi released after 10 years in prison Talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal on Friday faced the prospect of collapse after a last-minute Russian demand forced world powers to pause negotiations for an undetermined time despite having a largely completed text. Negotiators have reached the final stages of 11 months of discussions to restore the deal, which lifted sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear programme, long seen by the West as a cover for developing atomic bombs.

Iraq to host another round of Iran-Saudi Arabia talks: Ministry

The Saudi government said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-supplying-missiles-to-yemen-rebels-is-direct-military-aggression-saudi-crown-prince-salman-23661">today graft and embezzlement worth $100 billion had</a> been uncovered with around 201 people arrested in anti-graft case.

&quot;A total of 208 individuals <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-arresting-top-leaders-saudi-arabia-threatens-iran-seals-border-with-yemen-23619">have been called in for questioning so far</a>. Of those 208 individuals, seven have been released without charge,&quot; the information ministry said in a statement.

Saudi officials have detained several members of the royal family and kept them in the opulent Ritz-Carlton hotel. They face money laundering, bribery and extortion charges.

Billionaire tycoon Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal was arrested last Saturday after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman decided to&nbsp;crackdown on corruption moving swiftly to arrest several members of his own family,&nbsp;replacing the chief of armed services and several top officials in the government.&nbsp;

&quot;The potential scale of corrupt practices which have been uncovered is very large,&quot; the ministry said.

&quot;Based on our investigations over the past three years, we estimate that at least $100 billion has been misused through systematic corruption and embezzlement over several decades,&quot; the statement added.

Many Saudis welcomed the moved on corruption even though several experts said it was a ploy by Prince Salman to cement his power by taking out the opposition forces, especially those in his family.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump who was on a visit to Asia at the time, backed the Saudi move, tweeting those who were arrested were &quot;milking&nbsp;their country for years&quot;.

Saudi officials have detained several members of the royal family and kept them in the opulent Ritz-Carlton hotel.

The Saudi government said today graft and embezzlement worth $100 billion had been uncovered with around 201 people arrested in anti-graft case. "A total of 208 individuals have been called in for questioning so far. Of those 208 individuals, seven have been released without charge," the information ministry said in a statement. Saudi officials have detained several members of the royal family and kept them in the opulent Ritz-Carlton hotel. They face money laundering, bribery and extortion charges. Billionaire tycoon Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal was arrested last Saturday after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman decided to crackdown on corruption moving swiftly to arrest several members of his own family, replacing the chief of armed services and several top officials in the government. "The potential scale of corrupt practices which have been uncovered is very large," the ministry said. "Based on our investigations over the past three years, we estimate that at least $100 billion has been misused through systematic corruption and embezzlement over several decades," the statement added. Many Saudis welcomed the moved on corruption even though several experts said it was a ploy by Prince Salman to cement his power by taking out the opposition forces, especially those in his family. US President Donald Trump who was on a visit to Asia at the time, backed the Saudi move, tweeting those who were arrested were "milking their country for years".

Watch: $100 billion embezzled, 201 people arrested in anti-graft case: Saudi Arabia