Iran's Saudi Gamble

In the early hours of Day 12, Iran launched its most ambitious single ballistic missile attack on Saudi Arabia: six missiles simultaneously targeting Prince Sultan Air Base, approximately 115km southeast of Riyadh. All six were intercepted. A seventh missile targeted the Saudi eastern region — home to the kingdom's oil infrastructure — also intercepted. Prince Sultan hosts US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, B-1B Lancers, tanker aircraft supporting the Iran campaign, and is a key coalition strike coordination hub. Iran's targeting of this base with six simultaneous missiles signals a deliberate attempt to disrupt coalition logistics. Simultaneously, Iran launched an overnight salvo at central Israel, Jerusalem, northern Israel, and the West Bank — the fourth salvo since midnight — spreading Israeli air defenses across multiple vectors. All missiles intercepted. No injuries in either attack. The UAE subsequently revealed that Iran has fired over 250 ballistic missiles and 1,500 drones at UAE territory alone in the 12 days of war.

Key facts

• •6 Iranian ballistic missiles target Prince Sultan Air Base — all intercepted
• •7th missile targets Saudi eastern oil region — also intercepted
• •Prince Sultan hosts US F-15Es, B-1Bs, coalition tankers — direct disruption attempt
• •Simultaneous overnight salvo at Israel, Jerusalem, northern Israel, West Bank
• •4th Iranian salvo since midnight — spreading air defenses across vectors