Saudi FM says kingdom’s security non-negotiable

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has warned that the kingdom will not compromise on its security, cautioning that continued military escalation in the region could broaden the ongoing confrontation.

Speaking at the BRICS summit in New Delhi on Sunday, Faisal said Saudi Arabia appreciated the invitation to participate in the gathering and stressed that the country’s security and territorial integrity remained non-negotiable.

He also expressed concern over the widening regional conflict, warning that further escalation could expand the scope of hostilities and create additional risks for countries across the region.

The Saudi foreign minister’s remarks came amid growing tensions following a series of attacks targeting Saudi territory and critical infrastructure.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and strongly condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia’s civilian and economic infrastructure.

During the call, Shehbaz expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Saudi leadership and people, describing the attacks as a threat to regional peace and stability. He also warned that continued instability could have serious consequences for global energy supplies and the wider economy.

The conversation took place after Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down its East-West Pipeline following an aerial attack on the strategically important oil route.

Recent attacks reportedly targeted the southern Saudi cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, leaving dozens of people injured. Saudi-led coalition forces subsequently carried out airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen’s western Al-Hudaydah province.

The Houthis have previously targeted Saudi energy interests, including oil-related infrastructure and shipping. Their control of areas close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait gives them strategic leverage over one of the world’s major maritime routes connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said he, Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar would continue diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions and promoting peace.