ISLAMABAD: On Saturday evening, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a crucial phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman following reports that Iranian missiles targeted Riyadh and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. This development comes amid a sharp escalation of tensions in the Gulf region, triggered by recent military actions involving Israel, Iran, and their allies.
During the call, the Prime Minister conveyed Pakistan’s unequivocal condemnation of the missile attacks, which have further destabilized an already volatile regional security environment. Emphasizing the deep-rooted brotherly ties between Pakistan and the Gulf states, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries during this challenging period. He also expressed Pakistan’s readiness to contribute constructively to efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region.
Highlighting the significance of the ongoing holy month of Ramadan, the Prime Minister expressed hope that the spirit of peace and reflection associated with this time would help bring calm to the Gulf and broader Middle East. His message underscored Pakistan’s commitment to regional harmony and its desire to see an end to hostilities that threaten millions of lives and economic stability.
Earlier on Saturday, Saudi Arabia officially condemned what it described as a “blatant and cowardly” missile assault launched by Iran targeting Riyadh and the kingdom’s Eastern Province. The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that the missile strikes were successfully intercepted and repelled by the kingdom’s defense systems. It also reserved the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, citizens, and residents from such acts of aggression.
This surge in hostilities follows coordinated airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets earlier in the day. US President Donald Trump justified the operation as a necessary step to neutralize what he termed a significant security threat posed by Tehran. In response, Iran condemned the attacks as unlawful and retaliated by launching missile strikes against Israel and several Gulf states hosting American military installations.
The missile attacks triggered explosions over key cities including Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, and Manama. In Bahrain’s Juffair district, home to a major US naval base, smoke was seen billowing after reported missile impacts. The United Arab Emirates confirmed that one civilian lost their life in Abu Dhabi due to falling debris caused by the missile strikes. The UAE’s defense ministry described the incident as a dangerous escalation and affirmed that its air defense systems intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles with high efficiency.
It is important to note that the UAE hosts significant US military assets at Al Dhafra Air Base, while Qatar, which also experienced explosions in its capital Doha, is home to Al Udeid Air Base—the largest US military facility in the region and a critical hub for US Central Command operations. Qatar’s defense ministry reported successfully repelling several missile attacks.
Witnesses in Dubai reported hearing a powerful explosion and observing missiles streaking across the night sky, underscoring the widespread impact of the conflict across the Gulf monarchies. These oil- and gas-rich states, long-standing allies of the United States, have found themselves increasingly entangled in the escalating confrontation between Iran and the US-Israel alliance.
As the situation continues to evolve rapidly, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reflects Islamabad’s concern over the deteriorating security landscape and its desire to support peace and stability in the Gulf region. The international community remains watchful as diplomatic and military developments unfold in this strategically vital part of the world.
