US-Iran tensions: Saudi not consulted to kill Iranian Gen Soleimani, says official

Amid ongoing tensions between US and Iran after killing of commander of Iran's Quds Force, an official from Saudi Arabia has said that kingdom was t consulted by Washington before US drone strike, reported AFP.  This comes after  kingdom sought to defuse soaring regional tensions. Saudi Arabia is vulnerable to possible Iranian reprisals after Tehran vowed "revenge" following strike on Friday that killed powerful commander Qasem Soleimani in Baghd.

" kingdom of Saudi Arabia was t consulted regarding US strike," a Saudi official told AFP, requesting anymity. "In light of rapid developments, kingdom stresses importance of exercising restraint to guard against all acts that may le to escalation, with severe consequences," official ded.

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Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry echoed a similar call for restraint at weekend and King Salman emphasised need for measures to calm tensions in a phone call on Saturday with Iraqi President Barham Saleh. In a separate phone call with Iraq's Prime Minister el Abdel Mahdi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stressed " need to make efforts to calm situation and de-escalate tensions", official Saudi Press ncy reported.

crown prince has instructed Prince Khalid bin Salman, his younger bror and deputy defence minister, to travel to Washington and London in next few days to urge restraint, pan-Arab Asharq al-Awsat newspaper reported. Prince Khalid will meet White House and US defence officials, paper said, citing unnamed sources.

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killing of Soleimani, seen as second most powerful man in Iran, is most dramatic escalation yet in spiralling tensions between Washington and Tehran and has prompted fears of a major conflagration in Middle East. US President Donald Trump, who ordered drone strike, has warned that Washington will hit Iran "very fast and very hard" if Islamic republic attacks American personnel or assets.

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Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, both allies of Washington, are also vulnerable to Iranian counter strikes, analysts say. A string of attacks attributed to Iran has caused anxiety in recent months as Riyh and Washington deliberated over how to react.

In particular, devastating strikes against Saudi oil installations last September led Riyh and Abu Dhabi to opt a more conciliatory approach aimed at avoiding confrontation with Tehran.Analysts warn that pro-Iran groups have capacity to carry out attacks on US bases in Gulf states as well as against shipping in Strait of Hormuz -- strategic waterway that Tehran could close at will. 

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