Saudi Arabia, which has traditionally relied on US military support, launched a series of undeclared retaliatory strikes on Iranian territory in late March, Reuters reported, citing two Western and two Iranian officials familiar with the situation. This marks Riyadh's first known direct military action on Iranian soil.

The strikes were a response to Iran's attacks on the kingdom, part of a conflict that escalated on February 28 following US and Israeli strikes. Since then, Tehran has attacked all six Gulf Cooperation Council states. The strikes have targeted not only US military bases but also civilian facilities, airports, and oil infrastructure.

According to Reuters sources, the Saudi air force carried out the strikes in late March. One Western official described them as "tit-for-tat strikes." The specific targets of the attacks were not disclosed.

The day after the secret strikes were reported, on May 11, Saudi Arabian authorities declared May 13 a national holiday—Unity Day—dedicated to the kingdom's role in ensuring stability, which some analysts linked to Riyadh's increased military and political activity.

Saudi Arabia informed Iran of the strikes, which was accompanied by intensive diplomatic efforts and warnings about the possibility of further retaliatory action. These contacts led to an informal understanding between the two countries on de-escalation.