CONTEXT :

• Saudi Arabia has wants to avert war in the region but stands ready to respond with ‘all strength’, telling Iran that the ball was now in its court.
• Minister of state for foreign affairs, Adel al-Jubeir and the kingdom wants peace and stability.

BACKGROUND :

• In the event the other side chooses war, the Saudi Arabia will respond with all force and determination and will defend itself and its interests.
• This comes following last week’s attacks on Saudi oil assets.
• Riyadh has accused Tehran of ordering Tuesday’s drone strikes on two oil pumping stations in the kingdom, claimed by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group.
• Two days earlier, four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, were sabotaged off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.
• Iran has denied involvement in either operation. Gulf officials say an investigation into the tanker incident is underway.