The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the brutal Iranian attack targeting the sisterly Sultanate of Oman, describing it as a blatant violation of the sovereignty of a neighboring state and a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council. This firm stance affirms Riyadh's categorical rejection of any infringement upon the security and stability of the Sultanate, emphasizing that this escalation constitutes a serious breach of international norms and conventions that stipulate respect for the sovereignty of states and good neighborliness.

Unlimited Saudi solidarity with Muscat

In an official statement reflecting the depth of fraternal relations and shared destiny, the Kingdom affirmed its commitment to providing all its resources and capabilities to support the Sultanate of Oman in all measures it takes to protect its territory and citizens. Riyadh clarified that Oman's security is an integral part of the Kingdom's security, and that any threat to Muscat is considered a direct threat to Riyadh, thus necessitating a unified Gulf and Arab stance against these transgressions.

Dimensions of the escalation and its impact on the stability of the region

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia warned of the grave consequences of the Iranian regime's continued hostile policies and violations of state sovereignty, noting that such actions undermine de-escalation efforts and threaten regional and international peace and security. This warning stems from the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to sparing the region the ravages of conflict. However, the escalating aggression necessitates a firm and decisive response to deter any attempts to destabilize the vital Arabian Gulf region, which is crucial to the entire world.

A call for the international community to assume its responsibilities

In closing, the Kingdom called upon the international community and the Security Council to take serious stances and decisive measures against Iran's repeated violations. It stressed that international silence regarding these attacks encourages further chaos, emphasizing the need to activate international mechanisms to hold accountable those who disregard international law, in order to ensure the stability of energy supplies and protect international waterways and navigation, which could be affected by this dangerous escalation.

The Middle East and the Arabian Gulf region are witnessing a historic transformation and an unprecedented, dangerous turning point, as the pace of military escalation accelerates dramatically following the announcement of targeted airstrikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with a number of senior military commanders in Tehran. This momentous event has placed the entire region on the brink of a conflagration, with international observers describing it as the most dangerous development in the history of modern regional conflict.

A wave of widespread retaliatory attacks

In an immediate and direct response, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries today witnessed a fierce wave of Iranian retaliatory attacks. Swarms of drones and ballistic missiles targeted the infrastructure and airspace of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait. Despite the intensity of the attacks, the advanced air defense systems of the Gulf states successfully intercepted the vast majority of these threats. However, the explosions and air raid sirens triggered widespread panic and disruption to civil aviation, and cast a dark shadow over financial markets, which experienced sharp fluctuations.

Targeting shipping lanes in Oman

In a significant development that threatens global energy security, an oil tanker was directly attacked off the coast of Oman, specifically five miles north of the strategic port of Khasab. The attack resulted in injuries to four people, necessitating the immediate evacuation of the entire crew. The Omani News Agency confirmed the injuries, further escalating the risks posed by the Strait of Hormuz.

Strategic context and international importance

This escalation cannot be understood in isolation from the geopolitical importance of the Gulf region, a vital artery for the global economy. The Strait of Hormuz, located near the site of the tanker attack off Khasab, sees approximately 20% of the world's oil supply pass through it daily. Targeting oil tankers evokes memories of the "Tanker War" of the 1980s, but today it occurs against a backdrop of more sophisticated and precise missile arsenals, placing a heavy responsibility on the international community to ensure freedom of navigation.

Expected repercussions

Strategic analysts believe that the assassination of a figure as significant as Ali Khamenei represents a breach of traditional rules of engagement, potentially pushing the region toward a protracted, open-ended conflict. The repercussions will not be limited to the military sphere; they will extend to a dramatic surge in oil prices and maritime insurance costs, as well as a reshaping of regional security alliances to address the potential leadership vacuum in Tehran and anticipated retaliatory actions.

In a dangerous escalation that threatens radical changes in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, US President Donald Trump today (Sunday) issued a direct and strongly worded threat to the Iranian regime, vowing to use “unprecedented” military force if Tehran carries out any retaliatory attack in response to the recent US-Israeli strikes.

These threats come in the wake of the announcement of the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and a number of top regime leaders, as well as members of his family, in a joint military operation described as the strongest of its kind, putting the entire region on a knife's edge.

Eid via “Truth Social”

The US president used his social media platform, Truth Social, to deliver his warning, writing: “Iran has just announced that they will be launching a very powerful strike today, more powerful than any strike before. They better not do it, because if they do, we will hit them harder than they have ever been hit before.” These statements indicate Washington’s willingness to go further in the military confrontation, exceeding the traditional rules of engagement that have governed the relationship between the two countries for decades.

Declaration of mourning and mobilization within Iran

On the other hand, Tehran is experiencing internal turmoil, with a 40-day period of national mourning declared following the official confirmation of the Supreme Leader's death. Iranian media reported that the attacks targeted not only the political and religious leadership but also members of Khamenei's family, increasing public and political pressure within Iran for an immediate and harsh response.

The context of the conflict and its regional repercussions

To understand the gravity of the current situation, one must consider the historical context of US-Iranian relations, which have been characterized by hostility since 1979. However, targeting the very top of the Iranian regime represents an unprecedented event, as the Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority over all strategic and military policies in the country. The absence of such a powerful figure creates a significant void and could lead to internal conflicts, coinciding with external threats.

International observers believe that Trump's threat of an "unprecedented" strike could mean the use of advanced tactical weapons or a comprehensive targeting of Iran's nuclear and oil infrastructure, potentially crippling the Iranian economy. Conversely, Iran possesses a vast network of proxies in the region, raising concerns about a full-blown regional war that could disrupt international shipping lanes and global energy supplies.

International stance and cautious anticipation

The world's attention is now focused on Tehran to see the nature of the "strong strike" it has threatened, and on Washington, which awaits the execution of its threat. The international community fears that any miscalculation in military calculations could lead to an open confrontation with uncontrollable consequences, especially given the current state of international polarization.