Saudi National Security Is Non-Negotiable, Prince Faisal Tells BRICS

Saudi Arabia’s national security, territorial integrity and resources are “non-negotiable,” Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Sunday, warning that Gulf states would not accept attacks on their territories or vital interests.

Speaking at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, Prince Faisal said the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members would reject any attacks on their “territories, facilities or vital interests,” regardless of the justification or terminology used.

However, he called for efforts to steer the escalating regional conflict back toward diplomacy, cautioning that continued fighting could further widen the crisis.

“Continued confrontation cannot be the path to a lasting settlement,” Prince Faisal said, urging greater focus on de-escalation and diplomatic and political efforts aimed at safeguarding the security and interests of regional countries.

His remarks followed a series of attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including a Houthi projectile strike on Saturday that injured two people and damaged a mosque, buildings and vehicles in Jazan. Drone attacks launched from Iraq also targeted the Kingdom’s East-West oil pipeline last week.

Prince Faisal said the continuing escalation had pushed regional developments onto the international agenda, warning that further expansion of the conflict could undermine security and stability across the region.

He said lasting Gulf security depended on respect for state sovereignty and independence, non-interference in domestic affairs, good-neighborly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The foreign minister also underscored the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz and other maritime routes open, warning that disruptions to shipping could have repercussions well beyond the region.

“The stability of these waterways is directly linked to energy security and international trade flows,” he said, noting that any disruption could affect global markets, supply chains and economic growth.

GCC countries have repeatedly urged the unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and opposed restrictions, fees or unilateral arrangements governing passage through the waterway.

Prince Faisal also argued that successive global crises had exposed weaknesses in the international system and called for a reassessment of its ability to respond to a rapidly changing global environment.

The Middle East conflict and its impact on global energy and trade have dominated the two-day BRICS summit. BRICS leaders on Saturday expressed deep concern over the continuing escalation and called for maximum restraint to prevent further deterioration.

Prince Faisal Holds Talks on Regional De-escalation

On the sidelines of the summit, Prince Faisal held several meetings focused on regional security and diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.

During talks with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, the two discussed the latest regional developments, including recent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. Al-Zayani condemned the attacks and reaffirmed Bahrain’s support for the Kingdom and its response measures.

The ministers also discussed joint efforts to promote regional security, stability and peace.

In a separate meeting, Prince Faisal and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stressed the importance of continued coordination to support regional stability and pursue political and diplomatic solutions to ongoing crises. They also reviewed bilateral relations and prospects for expanding cooperation across several sectors.

Prince Faisal separately met Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, with discussions focusing on strengthening Saudi-Vietnamese economic, trade and tourism cooperation. They also explored opportunities for partnerships between businesses from both countries and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.