Saudi Arabia Raises Military Alert, Condemns Aggression Against Iran Amid Regional Crisis

Riyadh, June 23, 2025 – Saudi Arabia has elevated its military alert status and deployed air defense systems in response to rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The move comes as the region faces heightened uncertainty after Iran retaliated with missile strikes targeting U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq, prompting emergency sirens to sound at multiple American installations in Saudi Arabia.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman convened urgent discussions with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to coordinate a regional response and address the growing crisis. The Kingdom issued a statement condemning the recent aggression against Iran as “unacceptable,” calling on the international community to seek a political solution to prevent further destabilization and ensure regional security.

Saudi authorities have also taken significant domestic security measures. The Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of 20 individuals in a sweeping crackdown on drug smuggling operations, seizing large quantities of narcotics as part of ongoing efforts to combat organized crime.

In a show of Gulf solidarity, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its support for Qatar, which temporarily closed its airspace and later reopened it after Iran’s missile strikes caused no reported casualties. The Kingdom emphasized the importance of unity among Gulf states during this period of heightened risk.

Amid the security crisis, Saudi Arabia continues to advance women’s rights. Recent government data highlights that female university graduates now outnumber their male counterparts, and women’s workforce participation has doubled over the past six years, driven by legal reforms and changing societal attitudes.

Regional governments remain on high alert, with Bahrain and Kuwait—both hosting U.S. military installations—implementing emergency measures, including remote work directives and the establishment of shelters, to prepare for potential spillover from the conflict. The U.S. and Saudi authorities have issued security alerts advising citizens to exercise increased caution and avoid non-essential travel near military sites.

The situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts intensify to de-escalate tensions and prevent a broader conflict in the Gulf.