RIYADH, August 6, 2026 — Saudi Arabia is bracing for imminent coordinated attacks from both the north and south, carried out by Iraqi militias and Yemen’s Houthis under the supervision of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a senior Saudi official said on Thursday.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said multiple intelligence reports from Saudi Arabia, the United States, and other regional countries indicated that civilian and economic targets could be hit. These include energy infrastructure, ports, and airports. Saudi authorities have also observed movements of drones and missiles consistent with preparations for simultaneous operations from Iraq and Yemen.
The timing of the reported threats was described as particularly alarming. Riyadh is actively pursuing de-escalation and a negotiated settlement with Iran and other parties. Contacts and mediation efforts “appeared to be moving in the right direction,” the official said, adding that the planned attacks could be intended to disrupt those diplomatic efforts.
Saudi-U.S. security cooperation remains “very high” at all levels, including operational coordination with U.S. Central Command. The official stressed that the kingdom is prepared to take all necessary measures to respond to any aggression.
The warning follows recent tensions in the region, including drone strikes on Saudi facilities in late July that were linked to Iran-aligned groups and subsequent joint U.S.-Saudi counterstrikes. Saudi officials have repeatedly emphasized their preference for diplomacy while underscoring their readiness to defend the kingdom’s territory and critical infrastructure.
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