Saudi Arabia issued a sharp condemnation Saturday of Iranian missile strikes targeting Riyadh and its Eastern Province, describing the assaults as 'blatant and cowardly' and confirming that its defenses repelled the attacks.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that the kingdom 'expressed its strongest condemnation' of the strikes, which came despite Tehran's awareness that Riyadh would not permit its airspace or territory to be used for attacks against Iran. No casualties or damage were reported from the incident in Saudi Arabia, where air defenses intercepted the incoming projectiles. The ministry affirmed that Saudi Arabia will take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its territory, citizens, and residents, including the option of responding to the aggression, and reserves the right to retaliate.

The strikes formed part of a broader Iranian barrage launched early Saturday against multiple Gulf states hosting U.S. military assets, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan, as well as Israel. Iran framed the operation as retaliation for recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on its territory, which targeted high-profile sites in Tehran such as the residence of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the presidential office, and military commanders, including Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards leader Mohammed Pakpour.

In the UAE, one person, a worker of Asian nationality, was killed in Abu Dhabi after missile interceptions, according to state media. Explosions echoed through Gulf capitals as air defense systems activated, with residents reporting loud blasts and visible missile trails. Bahrain reported a missile aimed at the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters, while Kuwait intercepted attacks on Ali al-Salem Air Base. Qatar and Jordan also thwarted incoming threats, with no further casualties confirmed in those locations.

Saudi Arabia extended its condemnation to the attacks on its neighbors, denouncing them as a 'brutal Iranian aggression' and a violation of sovereignty. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held talks with leaders from the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan to coordinate responses. The kingdom's Foreign Minister also discussed regional security with his Pakistani counterpart.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the strikes hit U.S. and Israeli targets across the region, declaring all such assets legitimate. The attacks disrupted life in the Gulf during the holy month of Ramadan, prompting school closures in some areas and warnings about debris from interceptions. Saudi officials emphasized that the aggression lacked justification, underscoring Riyadh's neutral stance before the U.S. and Israeli actions.