Saudi Arabia has expressed growing concern that Iranian retaliation in the widening regional conflict could include attempts to target senior political leaders, as missile and drone attacks continue across the Gulf.

Officials in Riyadh are increasingly wary that Iran may expand its campaign beyond energy infrastructure and military installations to include high-profile political targets.

The fears come amid a wave of Iranian missile and drone strikes across multiple countries in the region following the outbreak of a broader confrontation involving the United States and Israel.

Saudi territory has already experienced several attacks since the conflict began, including missile and drone launches aimed at key locations such as Riyadh and the kingdom’s eastern province.

Air defence systems have intercepted a number of projectiles, and authorities say there have been no confirmed casualties from the attempted strikes.

However, the incidents have heightened concerns about the scope of Iran’s retaliation.

The security fears are compounded by recent attacks on energy infrastructure.

A drone strike targeted the major Ras Tanura oil refinery, one of the largest in the world, prompting a temporary shutdown of the facility and causing volatility in global energy markets.

The refinery, which produces more than half a million barrels of petroleum products daily, is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s energy system.

Iran’s campaign has not been limited to Saudi Arabia.

Missile and drone strikes have been reported or intercepted across several Gulf states and neighbouring countries, reflecting the increasingly regional scope of the confrontation.

Analysts say these attacks are part of Tehran’s effort to respond to the earlier U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iranian targets while exerting pressure on countries seen as aligned with Western security partnerships.

Saudi authorities have condemned the strikes as violations of national sovereignty and have warned that the kingdom reserves the right to respond if attacks continue.

At the same time, officials are attempting to prevent the conflict from expanding further by coordinating closely with regional partners and international allies.

The possibility that Iranian operations could extend to targeting senior leaders reflects the growing unpredictability of the conflict.

Security analysts note that in highly escalatory environments, leadership figures can become symbolic targets as rival states attempt to demonstrate capability and deterrence.

Despite the mounting tensions, Saudi Arabia has also called for restraint and diplomatic engagement to prevent a wider war in the Middle East.

The kingdom’s leadership has emphasised the need for international cooperation to stabilise the situation while continuing to strengthen defensive measures against further attacks.