While Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry confirmed yesterday it had intercepted ballistic missiles fired by Iran, the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Washington’s regional security umbrella had failed to deter conflict in the Gulf region.
Araghchi wrote on the US social media platform X that the US security framework in the region has “proven to be full of holes and inviting rather than deterring trouble.”
He claimed that Washington is “begging others, even China, to help it make Hormuz safe,” referring to the vital shipping route through which a large share of global oil passes.
Araghchi urged neighbouring countries to expel “foreign aggressors,” saying their only concern is Israel. Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz since around March 1, amid escalating hostilities with the US and Israel. Disruptions to shipping through the strait have pushed up global oil and fertiliser prices, raising concerns about energy supplies.
US President Donald Trump said Saturday that countries receiving oil through the strategic waterway should take responsibility for securing the key maritime passage, and that the US would assist. Earlier, he said US Navy escorts for oil tankers transiting the strait could begin “soon.”
Regional tensions have surged since the US and Israel launched a joint attack against Iran on Feb. 28. The strikes have killed at least 1,300 people in Iran, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tehran has responded with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.
Saudi Arabia says its forces destroyed 2 drones in Riyadh, the Eastern region.
The Saudi Defence Ministry said yesterday that its forces destroyed two drones in Riyadh and the Eastern region. Earlier, in a statement published on the US social media platform X, the ministry said it intercepted and destroyed six ballistic missiles launched toward the Al-Kharj Governorate. No casualties or damage were reported.