Report: Saudi Arabia Carried Out Unreported Airstrikes Inside Iran During March Retaliation

A Reuters report has claimed that Saudi Arabia carried out covert airstrikes on Iran during the recent Middle East conflict, marking what sources describe as the first known instance of direct Saudi military action on Iranian territory. The alleged strikes, which were not publicly acknowledged at the time, are reported to have taken place in late March and were described by Western officials as “tit-for-tat” responses to earlier attacks on Saudi territory.

According to the report, the Saudi Air Force conducted multiple unpublicised operations after a series of drone and missile attacks that targeted the kingdom. The strikes are said to have been a response to growing regional tensions that escalated following wider hostilities involving Iran and other actors in the Middle East. However, specific targets inside Iran were not disclosed, and Reuters noted that it could not independently verify the details of the reported operations.

Officials quoted in the report suggested that Saudi Arabia informed Iran about the strikes through diplomatic channels, after which both sides engaged in behind-the-scenes communication aimed at preventing further escalation. This was reportedly followed by an informal understanding between Riyadh and Tehran to de-escalate tensions, with threats of additional retaliation contributing to the diplomatic effort. Iranian authorities did not provide an official response to the claims.

Also Read: India LPG Consumption Declines 13% In March Due To West Asia Supply Crisis

The developments are set against the backdrop of a broader regional conflict that saw multiple Gulf states drawn into escalating hostilities. The report also notes that Iran carried out strikes across Gulf Cooperation Council countries, targeting military and civilian infrastructure, while disrupting maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. The situation placed additional pressure on Gulf states, some of which were seen responding more directly to perceived threats.

Analysts cited in the report say the alleged Saudi actions reflect a shift in regional security calculations, as Gulf countries reassess reliance on external protection and adopt more direct defensive measures. Despite the escalation, diplomatic channels between Saudi Arabia and Iran reportedly remained active, helped in part by a 2023 China-brokered agreement that restored relations between the two countries after years of rivalry.

The report also highlights contrasting approaches within the Gulf, noting that some states have taken more assertive military responses while others have prioritised diplomatic restraint to avoid wider escalation. The alleged strikes, if confirmed, would signal a significant development in the long-standing regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which have historically backed opposing sides in conflicts across the Middle East.

Also Read: India Retail Inflation Rises To 3.4% In March, Still Within RBI Target Range