Tensions in the Middle East continued to rise as Saudi Arabia reportedly launched several secret strikes on Iran in response to attacks the kingdom has received throughout the ongoing regional conflict.
According to two Western and two Iranian officials, the attack by the Saudi Air Force is believed to have been carried out in late March.
The action marks the first time Saudi Arabia is known to have carried out direct military operations on Iranian soil, thus demonstrating Riyadh's more aggressive approach in defending its security interests.
Although the exact target of the attack could not be confirmed, the action is believed to be a retaliation for threats and attacks Saudi Arabia has received before.
So far, the Saudi government has not officially confirmed the operation while the Iranian Foreign Ministry has not provided any response.
The development also illustrates the Middle East conflict is now widening after the war that broke out following the US and Israeli air strikes on Iran on February 28.
Since then, Iran has reportedly launched missile and drone attacks on several Gulf countries, including US military bases, airports, public facilities and oil infrastructure, in addition to closing the Strait of Hormuz, which has affected global trade.
At the same time, the United Arab Emirates has also reportedly carried out military operations against Iran.
However, the approaches of the two Gulf countries are seen to be different, with the UAE taking a more assertive stance, while Saudi Arabia is still maintaining diplomatic and de-escalation efforts to prevent the conflict from becoming larger and threatening the stability of the region.
