RiIYADH: Saudi Arabia was not consulted by its ally Washington over a US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, an official said on Sunday (Jan 5), as the kingdom sought to defuse soaring regional tensions.
Saudi Arabia is vulnerable to possible Iranian reprisals after Tehran vowed"revenge" following the strike on Friday that killed powerful commander Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad.
In a separate phone call with Iraq's Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stressed"the need to make efforts to calm the situation and de-escalate tensions", the official Saudi Press Agency reported. US President Donald Trump, who ordered the drone strike, has warned that Washington will hit Iran"very fast and very hard" if the Islamic republic attacks American personnel or assets.
Analysts warn that pro-Iran groups have the capacity to carry out attacks on US bases in Gulf states as well as against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz -- the strategic waterway that Tehran could close at will.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
US asked us for proportionate response, say Iran officials | The Malaysian InsightUnclear how Washington communicated, but Iran minister says Swiss envoy delivered foolish message from America.
Read more »
US says it disrupted ‘imminent attack’ with killing of Iran commander | Malay MailBAGHDAD, Jan 3 — Iran promised harsh revenge today after a US air strike in Baghdad today killed Qassem Soleimani, commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force and architect of its growing military influence in the Middle East. Soleimani, a 62-year-old general, was regarded as the second most powerful...
Read more »
Oil, safe havens surge after US strikes kill Iran commander | Malay MailNEW YORK, Jan 4 — Oil prices surged as much as US$3 (RM12.31) a barrel as gold, the yen and safe-haven bonds all rallied yesterday after the US killing of Iran’s top military commander in an air strike in Iraq ratcheted up tensions between Washington and Tehran. Traders were spooked after the...
Read more »
US deploys troops, Iran vows ‘revenge’ after Soleimani death | Malay MailWASHINGTON, Jan 4 — Thousands more US troops were ordered to the Middle East yesterday after the United States assassinated Iran’s military mastermind and Tehran promised “severe revenge.” President Donald Trump said top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani was “terminated” when he was on...
Read more »
After years of US reluctance, Trump orders killing of Iran generalIt was unclear how Trump and his aides had overcome earlier objections to such an attack.
Read more »
Malaysia urges restraint after US killing of Iran general | The Malaysian InsightThere are fears Tehran will retaliate following American attack on Baghdad airport yesterday.
Read more »