Saudi Foreign Ministry: Strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq were carried out in exercise of the right to self-defense

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that, in continuation of the statements issued by the ministry on Monday regarding the attacks suffered by the Kingdom, which were condemned as drone strikes launched by Iran-aligned militias in Iraq, and reaffirming the Kingdom’s resolve to deter the aggressors and its right to respond, the ministry emphasized that this aggressive approach adopted by the Iran-aligned terrorist militias in Iraq came at a time when the Kingdom was making efforts to contribute to de-escalation in the region, in order to safeguard its security and stability. However, these Iran-aligned terrorist militias chose an irresponsible escalatory path, violated international law, and ignored the obligations of good neighborliness required by Islamic brotherhood.

The ministry added that the Kingdom reaffirmed that the strikes carried out by the Saudi Armed Forces, in coordination with the U.S. Central Command, on Wednesday in response to specific targets in the territory of the Republic of Iraq, which were linked to attacks on the Kingdom’s petroleum facilities, were conducted in accordance with the right to self-defense guaranteed under international law, pursuant to Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

It stressed that the Kingdom does not seek escalation, but if it faces any attacks, it will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to preserve the sovereignty of the Kingdom and protect its citizens and national assets.