Saudi Arabia Fears Coordinated Attacks from Iran-Backed Groups in Iraq and Yemen

Saudi Arabia is concerned that Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq and Yemen could launch coordinated attacks against the kingdom under the direction of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a senior Saudi official said.

The official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said intelligence gathered by Saudi Arabia, the United States and other regional countries suggested that the attacks could take place at any time.

Potential targets could include civilian and economic infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, ports and airports, the official said.

Saudi authorities have also received information indicating that drones and missiles are being repositioned, according to the official. The movements suggest preparations for coordinated attacks from northern Iraq and southern Yemen, he said.

The official added that Saudi Arabia was prepared to take all necessary measures to respond to any aggression.

Saudi Arabia has faced growing security risks in recent weeks as the regional conflict has intensified. The kingdom has come under attacks from Yemen’s Houthi movement and Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq.

In late July, Riyadh, in coordination with the US Central Command, carried out strikes in Iraq after blaming Iran-backed groups for a drone attack on Saudi oil facilities. Iraqi militias later threatened to retaliate.

The heightened tensions came as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed a joint defense agreement in Mecca on Friday, signaling closer security cooperation among three major Sunni Muslim powers amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The Saudi official said the threat of a potential attack was particularly concerning because Riyadh is simultaneously working to reduce tensions and pursue a diplomatic solution.

He said Saudi Arabia’s efforts to maintain communication and mediation with Iran and other parties involved in the conflict were moving in the right direction. He added that one possible objective of an attack could be to undermine those diplomatic efforts.

Meanwhile, regional officials said discussions were progressing on an interim arrangement between Iran and Gulf states aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Such an arrangement could pave the way for broader negotiations and potentially create conditions for an end to the war, they said.

The warnings came after a Houthi attack in southern Saudi Arabia on Thursday injured 11 civilians.

Major General Turki al-Malki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, said the attack in Najran province injured seven Saudi nationals, one Yemeni, two Egyptians and one Pakistani.

The Houthis also claimed responsibility for an attack on Najran airport on Tuesday. The Iran-backed group has recently intensified attacks on Saudi military facilities, infrastructure and vessels.

In Yemen, at least 17 government troops were killed in Houthi attacks on positions held by Saudi-backed government forces in the provinces of Marib and Hadramout on Thursday, according to the Yemeni government.

The long-running Saudi-Houthi conflict has become increasingly intertwined with the wider regional war. Houthi actions, including their disruption of shipping in the Red Sea, have also threatened Saudi oil exports, further increasing the risks facing Riyadh.