NEW YORK, April 16. /TASS/. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have refused to make their airspace available to the US and Israel to defend against an Iranian attack on Jerusalem, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing Arab officials.

According to the newspaper, the US and Israel wanted to use the airspace of the two states to intercept missiles and drones fired by Iran, but Saudi Arabia and the UAE did not give them such an opportunity. At the same time, the newspaper's sources pointed out that the two Arab countries shared intelligence with the US and Israel, which contributed to the successful repulsion of the Iranian attack.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi tried to remain neutral in the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

On the evening of April 13, Iran launched drones and missiles toward Israel in response to what it called "repeated crimes" from Tel Aviv, including the attack on the consular office of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus ascribed to Israel. Tehran’s state-run media outlets said that military facilities in Israel were targeted. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed it intercepted 99% of the nearly 350 projectiles launched at Israel with minor damage caused to Nevatim airbase.