According to a Reuters investigation, Saudi Arabia conducted secret airstrikes on Iranian territory in late March, marking a retaliatory response to attacks the kingdom endured during recent regional hostilities, four sources told the news agency.
The military operations represent the first documented instance of Saudi forces striking targets within Iran’s borders.
A source familiar with the situation described the military action as “tit-for-tat strikes in response to attacks Saudi Arabia had suffered.”
The Reuters investigation revealed that these strikes exposed vulnerabilities in Saudi Arabia’s defensive capabilities, despite the nation’s strong military partnership with the United States and its longstanding dependence on American security guarantees. According to the report, hostile attacks during the conflict managed to breach the U.S. protective security framework safeguarding the Gulf nation.
Sources indicated that Saudi officials notified Iran following the completion of their military operations. Reuters documented that extensive diplomatic communications ensued, accompanied by Saudi threats of potential further military action. These diplomatic exchanges ultimately resulted in mutual agreements designed to lower tensions between the rival nations. This informal de-escalation pact reportedly became effective approximately one week prior to the April 7 ceasefire agreement reached between Washington and Tehran.
The revelation of Saudi military action emerged one day following The Wall Street Journal’s disclosure that the United Arab Emirates had similarly conducted strikes within Iranian territory during the same conflict period. The publication reported that the UAE operation took place in early April, coinciding with President Trump’s ceasefire declaration, though the exact timing relative to the announcement remained unclear.
During the conflict, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates employed contrasting approaches, Reuters found. While Riyadh worked to prevent further escalation and kept diplomatic channels open with Iranian representatives, including Iran’s ambassador stationed in Riyadh, the UAE pursued a more aggressive stance focused on punishing Tehran.
