Riyadh Vows To Respond Firmly If 'Others Start War' As Tensions Around Iran Rise

DOHA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th May, 2019) Riyadh does not want a war in the region, but will respond with all the strength if the other side starts it, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al Jubeir said, commenting on the rising tensions with Iran.

On Saturday, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud urged the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arab League to gather for extraordinary summits in the city of Mecca on May 30 in the wake of a recent attack on the country's oil facilities and sabotage against several tankers off the UAE coast. While the Houthis have claimed responsibility for this week's attack on the oil pumping stations, it is still unknown who stands behind the May 12 sabotage against the tankers.

"Saudi Arabia does not want a war in the region and does not seek to do so and will do everything in its power to prevent this war. At the same time, the kingdom affirms that if the other side chooses war, the kingdom will respond firmly and decisively, and it will defend itself and its interests," the ministry wrote on Twitter, quoting Al Jubeir as saying at a press conference.

He also expressed hope that Iran and Tehran-linked forces would demonstrate wisdom and would not behave recklessly.

"We call on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities by taking a firm stance against the Iranian regime by stopping it, and preventing it from spreading destruction and chaos throughout the world," the minister added.

According to Al Jubeir, Iran can eliminate the risk of war in the region if it observes international law, stops interfering in the internal affairs of other countries and supporting "terrorist groups," as well as halts its missile and nuclear programs.

Tensions have been soaring in the region after the United States stepped up its military presence in the middle East earlier in May in what White House National Security Adviser John Bolton has called "a clear and unmistakable message to the Iranian regime." The deployment includes a carrier strike group, Patriot missiles, B-52 bombers and F-15 fighters, according to the Pentagon.

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump told reporters that he hoped to avoid a war with Iran. At the same time, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Iran did not intend to wage war with the United States, but would continue to resist Washington.