“Without Iran, Israel would dominate Arab World,” Saudi Prince warns
In one of his strongest remarks, the former intelligence chief argued that Iran’s presence remains a geopolitical counterbalance in the region. “Without Iran, Israel would dominate the region,” he said.
Former Saudi intelligence chief Turki Al-Faisal warned that a wider war between Saudi Arabia and Iran would plunge the Middle East into devastation, while strengthening Israel as the dominant regional power.
Speaking during the Middle East and Africa Summit hosted by the Milken Institute in Abu Dhabi, Prince Turki said attempts to ignite direct confrontation between Gulf states and Iran would only deepen instability across the region.
“If Israel’s plan to trigger a war between us and Iran succeeds, the region will descend into ruin and destruction,” he said.
The senior Saudi royal warned that thousands of Saudis could be killed in a conflict “in which we have no interest whatsoever,” stressing that Gulf nations should not be drawn into a broader regional war.
Turki Al-Faisal accused Israel of seeking long-term strategic dominance through continued military escalation across the Middle East, including ongoing operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
“Israel would succeed in imposing its will on the region and remain the sole dominant actor in our environment,” he stated.
He also praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for preserving unity among Gulf nations amid rising geopolitical tensions. “The Crown Prince has not allowed Iran to divide the brotherly Gulf states,” Turki added.
In one of his strongest remarks, the former intelligence chief argued that Iran’s presence remains a geopolitical counterbalance in the region.
“Without Iran, Israel would dominate the region,” he said.
The comments come amid growing fears of a wider Middle East conflict involving Iran, Israel, Gulf states, and U.S. allies, as escalating military tensions continue to threaten regional stability, maritime security, and global energy supply routes.
