Saudi Arabia: Mixed Signals on Iran, New US Arms, UK Hacking Verdict

WASHINGTON (Azat TV) – Saudi Arabia found itself at the nexus of intricate geopolitical and legal challenges this week, as its officials sent mixed signals regarding a potential U.S. military strike against Iran, while simultaneously securing significant arms deals from the United States and facing a landmark court judgment in the United Kingdom over human rights violations.

On Friday, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman issued a stern warning that a failure by U.S. President Donald Trump to follow through on threats to strike Iran would only strengthen the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to an Axios report based on sources present at a private briefing in Washington. Prince Khalid, the younger brother and close confidant of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reportedly stated, “At this point, if this doesn’t happen, it will only embolden the regime.” His remarks came after he met with top U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and War Secretary Pete Hegseth, on Thursday to discuss the possibility of a U.S. strike.

Saudi Arabia’s Evolving Stance on Iran Amid Regional Tensions

The Defense Minister’s comments, suggesting a preference for U.S. military action, contrasted sharply with earlier diplomatic efforts by his brother, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Earlier this month, the Crown Prince reportedly cautioned President Trump against striking Iran, a move that led to a delay in U.S. plans. Furthermore, on Tuesday, the Crown Prince directly informed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian via phone call that Saudi Arabia would not permit its airspace or territory to be used for any military action against Iran. This commitment, reported by Saudi Arabia’s state-run SPA news agency, underscored Riyadh’s support for “efforts that would resolve differences through dialogue” to enhance regional security and stability. Iranian media, cited by Reuters, confirmed Pezeshkian’s welcome of processes “within the framework of international law” to prevent war.

This diplomatic maneuvering highlights Saudi Arabia’s complex balancing act: on one hand, expressing concerns about Iranian regional influence and advocating for a strong stance, and on the other, seeking de-escalation and dialogue to avoid broader conflict on its doorstep.

Major US Arms Sales Boost Saudi Defense Capabilities

Amid these heightened regional tensions, the U.S. State Department on Friday approved two substantial arms sales, including a $9 billion package for Saudi Arabia and a $6.67 billion deal for Israel, as reported by Fox News. The sale to Saudi Arabia is intended to bolster its contribution to an integrated air and missile defense system in the region, thereby enhancing the protection of land forces belonging to Saudi Arabia, the United States, and local allies. This approval comes as the Trump administration continues to pursue a peacekeeping plan in Gaza and maintains the threat of military strikes against Iran, signaling continued U.S. commitment to the security of its key Middle Eastern partners.

UK High Court Rules Against Saudi Arabia in Hacking Case

Adding to Saudi Arabia’s international scrutiny, the High Court in London on Monday ruled that the Kingdom was responsible for the 2018 hacking and assault of prominent Saudi dissident YouTuber Ghanem al-Masarir. The court ordered Saudi Arabia to pay al-Masarir more than £3 million ($4.1 million) in compensation, according to the BBC.

Al-Masarir’s phones were compromised in 2018 using Pegasus spyware after he gained widespread attention for his satirical videos criticizing Saudi rulers, particularly Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Following the hacking, al-Masarir was stalked, harassed, and physically attacked in central London in August 2018. Mr Justice Saini, the High Court judge, described the assault as premeditated and found a “compelling basis” that both the hack and the attack were “directed or authorised by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or agents acting on its behalf.” The judge noted the Kingdom’s “clear interest in and motivation to shut down the claimant’s public criticism.”

Saudi Arabia had initially claimed state immunity but lost that argument in 2022 and subsequently failed to participate in further proceedings. While the court awarded substantial damages, it remains unclear whether Saudi Arabia will comply with the judgment, though al-Masarir has expressed his determination to enforce it, even if it requires international legal avenues.

The confluence of these events underscores Saudi Arabia’s increasingly complex role on the global stage, navigating sensitive diplomatic engagements with Iran, strengthening its military alliances with the U.S., and facing significant legal repercussions that highlight ongoing international concerns regarding its human rights practices.