In conflict with Iran, Saudi Arabia has declared its intention to avoid war. But one is also ready to react with „determination“, according to the Foreign Ministry. King Salman invited to two crisis meetings – without Iran.
Because of recent Gulf skirmishes, Saudi Arabia has invited states from the region to two crisis meetings in late May. The Saudi state news agency SPA reported that King Salman had called on the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League to hold talks in Mecca on 30 May. There should be talked about „these aggression and its impact on the region“. Iran is not there, the country belongs to neither the Gulf Cooperation Council nor the Arab League.
Conversations with „brother states“
Saudi Arabia is reported to be „consulting and coordinating the leadership of the fraternal states“ on all available measures „to enhance security and stability in the region“. Finally, the recent attacks have „grave consequences“ particularly for the „supply routes and the stability of the world oil markets,“ it said from Riyadh.
Nobody wants war
Foreign Minister Adel al-Dzhubir said his country wanted to avoid a war in the region. But the country is also ready to respond with „all rigor and determination.“ The ball is on the Iranian side.
Saudi Arabia suspects Iran of being behind drone attacks on oil plants in the country. Energy Minister Chalid al-Falih spoke of an act of terrorism and a renewed attempt to undermine the security of the world’s oil supply. Shortly before, Saudi Arabia reported sabotage attacks on domestic oil tankers in United Arab Emirates waters.
Even Iran, according to the head of the Revolutionary Guards, does not seek a war in the Middle East. „The difference between them and us is that they are afraid of war and not willing to,“ said General Hossein Salami of Fars News Agency.
The situation in the Gulf region is currently very tense because of the dispute between the US and Iran. The US Department of Defense dispatched, inter alia, an aircraft carrier and a bomber squadron to the Middle East on the grounds that there are indications of possible Iranian attacks against US troops. The US and its close ally Saudi Arabia accuse Iran of causing trouble and supporting terrorism.
One year ago, the United States unilaterally dropped out of the nuclear deal with Iran. Since then, the Trump government has been putting massive economic pressure on the Islamic Republic, and the danger of war is now openly discussed. However, President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized that he wants to negotiate with Iran. According to media reports, he had made it clear at a meeting in the White House that he had no interest in a war. Nevertheless, there are fears of „accidentally“ slipping into a war.
Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in the report from Berlin that it was important to ensure that the nuclear agreement with Iran was maintained. It’s also about security in Europe. That is why Germany would stand by the agreement.
