Tehran: Iran has issued a strong warning to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates against permitting the United States to use their territory or airspace for military strikes against Tehran, signalling a sharp escalation in regional tensions.
According to reports by Press TV, the warning was conveyed through formal letters sent to Antonio Guterres and the President of the UN Security Council. Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani alleged that US warplanes had used Saudi and Emirati airspace for operations targeting Iranian sites.
The communication cited multiple instances between March 23 and 28, 2026, involving aircraft such as F-16, F-35, and F-15E fighter jets, as well as a U-2 reconnaissance aircraft, reportedly conducting or supporting strikes. Iran described these actions as violations of international norms and stressed the “international responsibility” of states not to allow their territory to be used for aggression.
Tehran called on both Gulf nations to adhere to principles of good neighbourliness and prevent further use of their territory for hostile acts. While reiterating respect for their sovereignty, Iran warned that it reserves the right to take “necessary and appropriate measures,” including self-defence, to protect its territorial integrity and political independence.
The warning comes amid heightened regional instability following a major escalation that began on February 28, including attacks on key sites and retaliatory military actions. Iranian state media reported that its armed forces have since carried out multiple waves of counter-strikes under “Operation True Promise 4,” targeting US and Israeli-linked assets across the region.
The developments underscore growing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, with concerns mounting over a broader conflict involving multiple regional and global powers.
