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Saudi Foreign Ministry on Iran Tensions: We Don't Want War But Ready to Respond

© AFP 2023 / SALEH AL-OBEIDI French-made Leclerc tanks of the Saudi-led coalition are deployed in the coastal district of Dhubab on January 7, 2017, during a military operation against Shiite Huthi rebels and their allies
French-made Leclerc tanks of the Saudi-led coalition are deployed in the coastal district of Dhubab on January 7, 2017, during a military operation against Shiite Huthi rebels and their allies - Sputnik International
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Earlier, Saudi King urged the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League to gather for extraordinary summits in the city of Mecca on May 30 in the wake of an attack on the country’s oil facilities and sabotage against tankers off the UAE coast, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday, citing a Foreign Ministry source.

Foreign Ministry of Saudi Arabia made an announcement on Sunday amid recent tensions with Iran that they do not want war in the region, but stand ready to respond with "full force and determination".

“Saudi Arabia does not want a war in the region, does not seek it and will do everything in its power to prevent this war. At the same time, it confirms that if the other side chooses war, the kingdom will respond with full force and determination and will defend itself and its interests,” Al Jubeir wrote on Twitter.

Saudi Arabian city view with the 'Kingdom Tower', background, and 'Al-Faislia Tower' in Riyadh. (File) - Sputnik International
Saudi Prince Blames Iran for Pipeline Drone Attack Amid Calls for US Strikes
The news comes as tensions in the region flared up over the week. On May 12, two oil tankers from Saudi Arabia and two other vessels were targeted by a mysterious attack in the United Arab Emirates' exclusive economic zone. Even though no one has claimed responsibility for the sabotage, the United States has reportedly suggested that sanctions-battered Iran, which has now entered a new phase of tensions with Washington, might have been behind the attack.

READ MORE: Trump Holds 'Productive' Call With Saudi Crown Prince on Pressuring Iran — WH

On Tuesday, Yemeni Houthi rebels carried out drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities, causing fire and minor damage. The Houthis have called it the largest military operation conducted by the rebels against Saudi Arabia since the start of their armed conflict with the Riyadh-backed Yemeni government. The kingdom has vowed to retaliate against the attacks of the Houthis, who, it believes, are backed by Iran. Tehran, however, has repeatedly denied having any role in the Yemen conflict.

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