‘Reckless and destabilizing’: Saudi Arabia and allies condemn Iran’s regional missile attacks

Vehicles move along a road as smoke billows from Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refinery. (Reuters)
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Updated 02 March 2026
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‘Reckless and destabilizing’: Saudi Arabia and allies condemn Iran’s regional missile attacks

  • The statement said the strikes targeted multiple countries, “endangered civilian populations, and damaged civilian infrastructure”

NEW YORK/RIYADH: Saudi Arabia joined the US and regional partners to strongly condemn Iran’s recent missile and drone attacks across the Middle East, calling them a “dangerous escalation” that threatens regional stability.

In a joint statement, the governments of the Kingdom, the US, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE denounced what they described as “indiscriminate and reckless missile and drone attacks against sovereign territories across the region.”

The statement said the strikes targeted multiple countries, “endangered civilian populations, and damaged civilian infrastructure.”

It continued: “The Islamic Republic’s actions represent a dangerous escalation that violates the sovereignty of multiple states and threatens regional stability,” adding that “the targeting of civilians and of countries not engaged in hostilities is reckless and destabilizing behavior.”

The seven governments said they “stand united in defense of our citizens, sovereignty, and territory,” reaffirming their “right to self-defense in the face of these attacks.”

They also praised the “effective air and missile defense cooperation” among partners, saying it had prevented “far greater loss of life and destruction.”


18,000 personnel mobilized in Makkah, Madinah as itikaf begins

Updated 09 March 2026
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18,000 personnel mobilized in Makkah, Madinah as itikaf begins

  • Worshipers who completed registration and obtained permits have started performing the ritual of itikaf at the Prophet’s Mosque
  • General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has provided a range of services

JEDDAH: More than 18,000 personnel and nearly 6,000 vehicles and pieces of equipment have been deployed across Makkah and Madinah as authorities intensify preparations for the final 10 days of Ramadan, while worshipers began observing itikaf at the Prophet’s Mosque.

Worshipers who completed registration and obtained permits have started performing the ritual of itikaf at the Prophet’s Mosque, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has provided a range of services, including guidance, organization, healthcare, translation, hospitality and essential supplies to ensure a comfortable and spiritually enriching experience.

Field teams have also been deployed to manage entry and exit points, and oversee service delivery so worshippers can dedicate themselves fully to prayer and reflection.

Meanwhile, the Madinah Municipality has intensified efforts to provide services to visitors at the Prophet’s Mosque and other major mosques across the city.

More than 5,700 personnel, 1,230 operational vehicles and pieces of equipment have been mobilized to support municipal services during the busy period.

The operational plan focuses on improving facility cleaning and environmental sanitation, strengthening infrastructure services, and intensifying inspections of commercial and food establishments to ensure compliance with health standards and product safety.

Electronic platforms have also been activated to enhance monitoring and speed up responses to municipal service reports.

Authorities are also conducting field campaigns to combat commercial fraud and regulate street vendors as visitor numbers rise in the city.

Through these plans, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has raised municipal readiness to provide services for Umrah performers and visitors, and enable them to perform their rituals in a safe and organized environment.

In Makkah, the municipality has deployed more than 13,000 personnel working round the clock to support cleaning and operational activities in the central area, and around the Grand Mosque.

Five parking areas with a capacity of more than 42,000 vehicles have also been prepared to ease access to the Grand Mosque and reduce congestion.