Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing to join the war against Iran and could even launch strikes as Tehran continues to target Gulf neighbours.

According to Israel-based Ynet News, Gulf states are helping the United States carry out airstrikes and are targeting Iran’s economy, though they have not yet deployed troops. The same outlet also said recently agreed to allow U.S. forces to use King Fahd Air Base, on the western side of the Arabian Peninsula, to strike Iran.

This marks a change in Saudi Arabia’s stance, as Ynet News added that “before the war, Riyadh said it would not allow its facilities or airspace to be used for attacks on Iran, in an effort to stay out of the conflict”. According to the Israeli outlet, however, that position shifted after Iran launched missiles and drones at key Saudi energy facilities.

Between Monday night and Tuesday morning, the Israeli military said it had identified missiles being launched from Iran. Similarly, sirens sounded in Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia overnight amid suspected attacks from Iran.

U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf are inching toward joining the fight against Iran, the Wall Street Journal said, adding they are “getting tougher following persistent attacks that have disrupted their economies and risk giving Tehran long-term leverage over the Strait of Hormuz”.

The news on Saudi Arabia comes after the US President suggested on Monday afternoon that talks were underway between American and Iranian officials, something the latter denied. President Trump claimed Iran “wants to settle” and that there’s a “very good chance of a deal” with the country.

He said: “We’ve eliminated everything there is to eliminate in Iran, including leaders”. He added: “We are now having really good discussions. They started last night, a little bit, the night before that. I think they’re very good. They want peace. They’ve agreed they won’t have a nuclear weapon. But we’ll see. We have to get it done.” Iran has rejected Mr Trump’s claims negotiations were taking place.

Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif, the Pakistani Prime Minister, said his country is ready to host peace talks between US and Iran.

In a statement on X he said Pakistan would be “honoured” to “facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict”. He added that “Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the WAR in Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in region and beyond”.

In the UK, Downing Street said British pilots have taken to the skies for nearly 900 hours defending the UK and its Middle East allies.

Overnight, the UK defended allies in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan from attacks, the PM’s official spokesman says, quoting Defence Secretary John Healey.