A source in the Saudi royal family commented on Iran’s attacks on the United Arab Emirates this week, telling Israel Channel 12 that Riyadh views the strikes as a calculated attempt to test the effectiveness of the air defense systems that Israel supplied to the UAE.

It should be noted that, according to a CNN report, an Israeli air defense system and IDF soldiers deployed to the UAE were involved in intercepting the missiles this week.

“We condemn this attack against the UAE,” the source said. “In our assessment, Iran was attempting to test the capabilities of the Israeli air defense systems that Israel provided to the Emirates.”

According to the source, Tehran’s actions are not an isolated response but part of a broader regional strategy aimed at confronting both Israel and the United States across multiple fronts.

“The ayatollah regime is trying to assess and improve its aerial deterrence capabilities ahead of a future ‘unity of arenas’ war involving Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen,” the source said. “The ultimate objective is to topple Israel’s political system and end its role as Washington’s leading ally in the Middle East.”

The Saudi official added that Iran views both Israel and the U.S. as existential threats and is therefore preparing for a long-term confrontation. He believes that Tehran will first pursue a drawn-out war of attrition, followed by a large-scale, surprise assault “resembling October 7, but on a much larger scale.”

At the same time, the source stressed that Saudi Arabia is determined to avoid being pulled into a direct conflict.

“Riyadh is distancing itself from this war as much as possible. This is not our war,” he said, noting that the kingdom remains committed to the China‑brokered agreement with Iran while simultaneously preparing contingency and defense plans in the event of escalation.

“If Iran directly attacks Saudi Arabia, we will respond according to the circumstances at that time,” the source said. “We will not act preemptively.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)