Iran and Saudi Arabia are planning their first joint military exercises in the Red Sea, according to Iranian media, as they navigate a renewed relationship after severed diplomatic ties in 2016. The discussions, announced by Admiral Shahram Irani, are ongoing; however, Saudi Arabia has yet to confirm its participation. This development occurs against a backdrop of increased attacks by Yemen’s Huthi rebels against maritime targets, raising security concerns in the region.
Iran and Saudi Arabia are reportedly planning to conduct joint military exercises in the Red Sea, as stated by Iranian sources, although this has yet to be confirmed by Saudi officials. This move, a first among these regional adversaries, follows the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two nations last year, facilitated by China. Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of Iran’s navy, indicated that Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in organizing the military exercises, noting that coordination is ongoing and delegations from both countries will engage in consultations regarding the execution of these exercises. Specifics concerning the timing of the event have not been disclosed. In the context of rising tensions, Yemen’s Iran-backed Huthi rebels have intensified their attacks on maritime vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, presenting their actions as support for the Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Since 2015, the Huthis have been in conflict with a Saudi-led coalition following their takeover of Yemen’s capital. Despite the ongoing regional tensions, Saudi Arabia has not joined the US-led naval coalition aimed at deterring Huthi assaults and has struggled to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement amid these developments.
The proposed joint military exercises between Iran and Saudi Arabia represent a significant shift in the relations of these historically rival nations, which have engaged in proxy conflicts across the Middle East. Having severed diplomatic ties in 2016, the subsequent reinstatement of relations in 2022—brokered by China—has opened the door for new cooperative possibilities. The backdrop of these military discussions includes ongoing hostilities initiated by Yemen’s Huthi rebels, who have threatened maritime security, thereby complicating regional stability. Saudi Arabia’s careful engagement reflects its broader strategy to navigate its interests in the context of the Yemen conflict and to balance its role as a leading oil exporter on the international stage.
In conclusion, the potential joint military exercises between Iran and Saudi Arabia signal a noteworthy development in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, illustrating an unexpected cooperative approach following years of hostility. While the full implications of these exercises remain to be seen, the context of regional tensions, particularly the actions of Huthi rebels, underscores the complexities each nation faces in maintaining stability while pursuing national interests.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
