Saudi Arabia Breaks With Turkey and Pakistan on Condemning Iran; Gulf States Edge Toward Direct Conflict

At an Arab and Muslim foreign ministers' meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia pushed for harsh language condemning Iran while Turkey and Pakistan resisted. Turkey's FM Fidan only agreed to tougher language after Iran struck Riyadh itself, reportedly telling his Iranian counterpart that Tehran 'should have at least stopped its attack on Riyadh while diplomats were gathered there.' Alignment is fracturing: Saudi Arabia is under US pressure to join offensive operations and concerned about Hormuz, while Turkey seeks a negotiated settlement and Pakistan positions as mediator. Israel Hayom reports Saudi Arabia and the UAE are 'close to entering the war against Iran.' Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry destroyed 19 Iranian drones targeting the oil-rich Eastern Province on March 24. Bahrain's forces have intercepted 153 missiles and 301 drones since the war began, explaining the Gulf states' shift toward direct military engagement rather than mediation.