Saudi Arabia flags imminent Iran-backed threats amid push for regional de-escalation

SAUDI Arabia has warned of imminent coordinated attacks by Iran-backed armed groups operating from Iraq and Yemen, with intelligence suggesting key civilian and economic infrastructure across the kingdom could be targeted.

A senior Saudi official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said intelligence gathered by Saudi Arabia, the United States and other regional partners indicated that Iraqi militias and Yemen's Houthi movement were preparing simultaneous attacks under the supervision of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to the official, energy infrastructure, ports, airports and other strategic civilian facilities are among the potential targets.

Saudi authorities have also detected the movement of drones and missiles, indicating preparations for coordinated strikes from both the country's northern and southern borders.

The official said the intelligence was particularly alarming as Riyadh continues to pursue diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions and securing a negotiated settlement.

Saudi Arabia has maintained contact with all parties, including Iran, and believes ongoing mediation efforts are moving "in the right direction", the official said.

The anticipated attacks, the official added, may be intended to derail those diplomatic initiatives before meaningful progress can be achieved.

Despite the growing security concerns, the official said defence cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States remains "very high" at every level, including operational coordination with the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

Saudi Arabia, the official said, is prepared to take all necessary measures to defend itself against any aggression.

The warning comes after Saudi Arabia and CENTCOM carried out joint strikes on July 29 against Iran-backed groups in Iraq, following drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities that Riyadh blamed on the militias.

The Iraqi armed groups subsequently vowed to retaliate against the kingdom.

Tensions have also escalated between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi movement after the Iran-aligned group announced what it described as a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea and claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on Saudi commercial shipping and military targets. -August 7, 2026