Saudi Arabia's King Calls Emergency Conference on the Gulf

Saudi Arabia's state news agency (SPA) said yesterday that King Salman has invited leaders of Gulf and Arab countries to an emergency summit in Mecca on May 30 to discuss recent "aggressions" in the region.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said today that his country does not want war in the region and will do everything possible to prevent it. However, he affirmed that "in case the opponent chooses to wage war, Saudi Arabia will use all its strength to respond and protect its interests."

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communications said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also spoke by phone with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about developments in the region, including efforts to enhance security and stability.

Tensions in the Gulf escalated after the US deployed warships and aircraft to the region to deter Iran, following intelligence that the country had transferred short-range ballistic missiles to warships in the Persian Gulf.

The US also suspects Iran of being behind the mysterious attack on May 12 on four oil tankers anchored in the Gulf of Oman, including two Saudi Arabian vessels. However, Iran denies this accusation, and condemns the sanctions and the US military presence in the region.