Riyadh, March 20 — Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah on Friday strongly condemned what he described as Iran’s aggressive actions against neighbouring states, saying they aim to destabilize the region and violate both international law and Islamic principles. The comments came during a press briefing after a meeting of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries hosted by Saudi Arabia.
Prince Faisal denounced recent strikes attributed to Iran against Saudi Arabia, Gulf Cooperation Council members and other Arab, Islamic and friendly nations, warning that Tehran’s escalatory policies threaten regional and global peace and security. He said Riyadh has repeatedly warned of these dangers and sought to defuse tensions through wise, peaceful measures, but that Iran’s insistence on flouting the norms of good neighbourliness has eroded trust at regional and international levels.
The minister called for an immediate end to the aggression and rejected Tehran’s attempts to avoid accountability for strikes on residential areas, civilian infrastructure and vital facilities. He said those attacks have resulted in significant loss of life, material damage and harm to the national interests of Arab and Islamic countries, and described them as deliberate acts tied to a pattern of blackmail and support for militias intended to target and destabilize neighbouring states.
Faisal argued that aggression against neighbours violates covenants and agreements and runs counter to Islamic teachings, asserting that funding and arming militias undermines, rather than promotes, Islamic unity. He warned that continued hostile behaviour will yield no benefits for Iran but will instead impose heavier burdens, a substantial political cost and deeper isolation.
He also praised what he called unprecedented international solidarity, noting the backing of 136 UN member states for UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which urges Iran to immediately cease attacks and refrain from threats or provocative acts against neighbouring countries. Participants at the meeting pressed for prompt implementation of the resolution, an end to support for regional proxies, and measures to compel Iran to abandon its hostile policies.
On maritime security, the foreign minister said the gathering condemned attacks on commercial vessels in the Arabian Gulf and disruptions to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, warning of serious consequences for the global economy. He stressed that any infringement on freedom of navigation poses a threat to international peace, requires collective action to ensure safe passage, and that assaults on energy and food supplies disproportionately harm vulnerable developing countries.
In closing, Faisal said regional states will continue intensive consultations to monitor developments, coordinate common positions and undertake necessary, lawful measures to protect national security and stability, while preparing the basis for broader international action.
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