President Donald Trump is weighing options for possible military action against Iran, but a senior Gulf official says Saudi Arabia will not allow the United States to use its airspace or bases for such an attack.
President Trump Meets With The Crown Prince And Prime Minister Of Saudi Arabia At The White House
The official told Fox News that Washington has not shared concrete objectives or operational plans with Gulf allies, despite recent high-level Saudi meetings in the US seeking clarity. The source said any US military movement would follow routes “other than using Saudi airspace,” stressing Riyadh’s long-standing position that its territory will not be used for wars it is not directly part of.
The state tax building burned during Iran’s protests on a street in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 19, 2026. (Majid Asgaripour/WANA via Reuters)
The stance mirrors Saudi policy during previous regional flare-ups, with the official saying the kingdom would not permit its airspace to be used to target Iran, Israel, or the Houthis.
President Trump Meets With The Crown Prince And Prime Minister Of Saudi Arabia At The White House
Trump has said the US has privately communicated expectations to Tehran amid mounting pressure for a nuclear deal, while also acknowledging that American naval assets are positioning closer to Iran as Washington evaluates next steps.
The Gulf official cautioned that while Iran often signals interest in negotiations, the real question is whether any deal would meet US terms. They added that earlier US strikes on Iranian nuclear assets had significantly degraded Tehran’s capabilities, creating a potential “off ramp” if Iran changes course.
The comments come as regional leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, push for de-escalation, with Gulf states urging Washington and Tehran to prioritize diplomacy in hopes of stabilizing the Middle East and avoiding another major conflict.
