ع
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning drone attacks carried out against the kingdom by Iran-backed militias operating from Iraq on July 27 and 28, 2026. According to the ministry release, the assaults occurred even as Saudi Arabia worked to reduce tensions in a manner designed to preserve security and stability for the region and its peoples. The ministry reaffirmed the kingdom’s resolve to deter those responsible and asserted its right to respond to the continued aggression.
A ministry assessment found that the actions by the Iran-backed groups constituted a reckless escalation in violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness. The statement highlighted disregard for obligations of Islamic brotherhood and charters including those of the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Saudi officials stressed the importance of collective serious steps by regional and international actors to address such threats at their source.
In phone calls on July 26, 2026, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told counterparts that permanent stability cannot be achieved through military power. Prince Faisal bin Farhan said stability is achieved through sustainable diplomatic solutions that address the root causes of crises. He added that permanent political solutions must be found instead of settling for temporary de-escalation.
The US Department of State overview of bilateral ties places Saudi Arabia as the largest foreign military sales customer for the United States, with more than $100 billion in active cases. A State Department summary notes the partnership, rooted in more than seven decades of cooperation, focuses on shared security interests and regional stability in the Gulf. Both countries continue joint work to counter terrorism and other transnational threats.
An OSAC country security report for Saudi Arabia identifies border security as a key concern that authorities address through enhanced training programs and physical barriers along vulnerable stretches. The report states that Saudi officials have carried out numerous arrests, mapped smuggling routes and stopped ISIS-linked attempts at illegal border crossings. Saudi initiatives also include new fingerprinting procedures at airports and entry points to mitigate risks from transnational terrorism.
A Clingendael Institute analysis of Saudi national security priorities since 2000 traces regime security as a central focus for the ruling family, with foreign policy serving to counter internal dissent, religious militancy and external challengers on the Arabian Peninsula. The assessment links these priorities to broader efforts aimed at preserving stability across the region amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Saudi Arabia balances its longstanding US security relationship with expanded ties to other partners while advancing economic diversification goals under Vision 2030.
