Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region have been subjected to what he described as “flagrant Iranian attacks” targeting their security, resources and civilian and economic facilities.
Speaking during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, bin Farhan said Riyadh retained the right to defend its sovereignty, citizens, residents and national resources. The U.N. lists Prince Faisal as Saudi Arabia’s speaker at this year’s General Debate.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the countries of the region have been subjected to flagrant Iranian attacks targeting their security, resources and civilian and economic facilities,” he said.
“The Kingdom reiterates its full right to protect its security and sovereignty, its citizens and residents, and its national resources.”
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Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 28, 2024. Photo: UN Photo |
Call for International Action
Bin Farhan urged the international community to assume responsibility for confronting threats to international peace and security.
“We call upon the international community to shoulder its responsibilities in confronting all threats to international peace and security.”
His remarks followed a period of heightened regional tensions that has included attacks on Saudi territory and infrastructure and renewed conflict involving Yemen’s Houthis. The U.N. Security Council earlier this month condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes affecting civilians and energy infrastructure, and reaffirmed the kingdom’s right to self-defense under international law.
Saudi Arabia Calls for Region Free of WMDs
Turning to nuclear security, the Saudi foreign minister said the Middle East should remain free of weapons of mass destruction and called for international oversight of peaceful nuclear programs.
“We stress the need to ensure that the entire region is free of weapons of mass destruction and that peaceful nuclear programs are subject to international oversight, verification, and safeguards.”
He said greater transparency and verification would help strengthen confidence and protect both regional and international security.
“As such, we would enhance confidence and safeguard regional and international security.”
Bin Farhan Condemns Houthi Actions in Red Sea
Bin Farhan also focused on the Houthis, calling on the international community to reject and condemn their actions in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.
“The Kingdom calls upon the international community to reject and condemn all the Houthi terrorist militia’s aggressions and criminal acts that threaten the security of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.”
Security concerns around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb have intensified as Houthi forces expanded military operations in Yemen and threatened maritime routes and Saudi interests. Reuters reported this week that Houthi advances and attacks have increased pressure on Saudi Arabia and raised concerns over regional shipping and energy exports.
Saudi Arabia has increasingly emphasized its right to defend itself while coordinating with regional partners over maritime security and the conflict in Yemen. On September 22, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt and Pakistan jointly affirmed Riyadh’s right to self-defense and stressed the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and pursuing diplomacy to contain regional escalation.