The penultimate message!

At a particularly sensitive moment, as the prospect of renewed military confrontation between Washington and Tehran intensifies, Saudi Arabia is working alongside Türkiye and Pakistan within the framework of the Makkah Alliance to support mediation efforts and create the conditions for a political settlement that would prevent the crisis from escalating further.

The objective is clear: to safeguard regional security and stability while limiting the repercussions of the crisis for the global economy.

This diplomatic initiative reflects the Kingdom’s established approach to crisis management, grounded in political realism and a careful assessment of evolving circumstances. It demonstrates a delicate balance between the wisdom of pursuing peace and the determination to protect national interests.

As a Saudi citizen, I firmly believe that the Kingdom’s diplomatic engagement, including the visit by Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman involving Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalın, should not be mistaken for a concession.

Rather, it represents a proactive effort to address differences with Iran, provided Tehran fulfills its responsibilities, respects the sovereignty of neighboring countries and addresses the underlying causes of regional tensions.

The support for de-escalation by major Muslim nations does not mean overlooking Iranian attacks against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab states, nor does it imply acceptance of attempts to impose Iranian dominance over Arab countries.

Instead, it places the responsibility squarely on Tehran to reassess its policies, end its threats and recognize that its own security cannot be separated from the security of its neighbors.

Continuing an aggressive approach will only undermine trust, deepen Iran’s isolation and diminish the prospects for regional relations based on good neighborliness, mutual respect and shared interests.

The gravity of the crisis is particularly evident in the Strait of Hormuz, where freedom of navigation is an international interest that must never be subjected to political calculations or exploited as an instrument of pressure.

Disrupting maritime traffic or imposing transit fees threatens global energy supplies and international trade. Restoring normal shipping operations and guaranteeing safe, uninterrupted passage are therefore non-negotiable necessities and essential foundations for any serious settlement.

De-escalation, however, cannot be considered complete without guarantees against renewed attacks and clear commitments to respect national sovereignty and preserve regional security.

Understandings that fail to address the root causes of a crisis remain fragile. Agreements unsupported by tangible actions cannot establish lasting peace.

It is on this basis that Saudi Arabia continues to support political solutions without separating diplomacy from the imperatives of security and deterrence, or allowing its pursuit of peace to be interpreted as weakness.

The Kingdom is extending a hand for peace across the region, but that gesture must be met with genuine commitments.

Iran must also recognize that the continuation of its current policies will harm not only the interests of neighboring countries but also the Iranian people and their future.

The path toward stable regional relations begins with respect for sovereignty, an end to attacks and the abandonment of policies of domination and unlawful interference.

Saudi Arabia has made its position heard in Tehran, and its message leaves little room for misunderstanding.

The Kingdom will not compromise its principles. It will remain committed to peace, open to dialogue and unwavering in its determination to protect its security, national interests and the rights and interests of its brotherly nations.

The diplomatic engagement was an expression of Saudi Arabia’s strength and its willingness to extend a hand for consultation and dialogue. But diplomacy must never be confused with a readiness to bargain away national security, sovereignty or the legitimate rights of its regional partners.

This is the equation that admits no ambiguity: Peace is Saudi Arabia’s choice, but defending its security and sovereignty is an inalienable right.