Saudi Intercepts 63 Drones as Iran Denies Responsibility, Blames US, Israel

Saudi Intercepts 63 Drones as Iran Denies Responsibility, Blames US, Israel

RIYADH/LONDON – Iran launched a new wave of drone attacks on Saudi Arabia on Monday, intensifying the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region, while its ambassador to Riyadh denied Tehran’s responsibility, claiming “enemies” of Iran were behind the strikes.

According to the Saudi Defense Ministry, about 63 hostile drones were fired at the Eastern Province and Riyadh, all of which were intercepted and destroyed. Ministry spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki confirmed the attacks on X (formerly Twitter), noting that the strikes follow a pattern of nightly drone attacks interspersed with daytime lulls.

The latest attacks bring the total number of intercepted drones in Saudi Arabia to over 230, alongside more than 30 missiles shot down since the conflict began in late February. Neighboring Gulf states have also reported high numbers of intercepted missiles and drones: Bahrain intercepted 125 missiles and 203 drones, recording two fatalities, while the UAE engaged 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,600 drones, with six deaths. In Dubai, civil defense teams contained a fire at Dubai International Airport caused by a drone impact, temporarily suspending airport operations.

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Earlier, Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, shared a notice attributed to Iran’s military command claiming that “the enemy” was deploying drones disguised as Iranian-made Shahed drones, under the name “Lucas drone.” He reiterated that Iran only targets U.S. and Israeli interests in the region and denied responsibility for strikes on civilian or Gulf state infrastructure, including Saudi oil facilities at Ras Tanura and Shaybah.

Enayati said Iran’s relations with Gulf countries will require a “serious review”, urging deeper cooperation among GCC states, Iraq, and Iran, while cautioning against the involvement of external powers. He stressed that the ongoing conflict had been “imposed on Iran and the region” and called for the United States and Israel to halt attacks, with international guarantees to prevent recurrence, allowing the region to focus on prosperity and security.

The Iranian envoy’s remarks, however, drew criticism online, with observers questioning why Tehran had not clarified its position sooner and highlighting the risk to civilians, such as the woman and child killed in Bahrain and Kuwait.

The recent drone attacks follow weeks of escalating hostilities, which have targeted ports, airports, energy facilities, and civilian areas across the Gulf. On Wednesday, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution condemning Iranian attacks on Gulf countries and Jordan, demanding that Tehran immediately cease hostilities, with 13 of 15 members voting in favor.

Saudi authorities have stressed their commitment to protecting the Kingdom’s airspace, sea routes, and critical infrastructure, as the conflict shows no sign of abating.

Saudi Intercepts 63 Drones as Iran Denies Responsibility, Blames US, Israel