Iran and Saudi Arabia Plan Joint Military Exercises in the Red Sea

Iran and Saudi Arabia are contemplating joint military exercises in the Red Sea, marking a potential shift in their historically adversarial relationship. This development follows the restoration of diplomatic ties facilitated by China, despite ongoing conflicts involving Iranian-supported Huthi rebels in Yemen targeting maritime vessels. Saudi Arabia has yet to confirm its participation, amidst its delicate balancing act in regional affairs.

Iran and Saudi Arabia have announced plans to engage in joint military exercises in the Red Sea, as per an Iranian media report that has yet to receive confirmation from Riyadh. This development marks a notable shift in relations between the two countries, which have traditionally been regional adversaries supporting opposing factions in various conflicts across the Middle East, following the severing of their diplomatic ties in 2016. The resumption of diplomatic relations last year, facilitated by a surprising agreement brokered by China, has set the stage for this potential collaboration. Admiral Shahram Irani, the commander of Iran’s navy, stated, “Saudi Arabia has asked that we organise joint exercises in the Red Sea. Coordination is underway and delegations from both countries will hold the necessary consultations on how to conduct the exercise,” according to the Iranian news agency ISNA. However, he did not disclose specific details regarding the timeline of these exercises. At this juncture, Saudi Arabia has not confirmed its participation in the planned exercises. The backdrop to this development includes an ongoing campaign of assaults against maritime vessels by Yemen’s Iranian-supported Huthi rebels since November. These attacks are framed by the rebels as a testament to their solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The Huthis have engaged in armed conflict with a Saudi-led coalition since 2015, following their takeover of Sanaa and significant portions of Yemen’s territory, which has compelled the internationally recognized government to relocate to Aden. In its role as the world’s foremost oil exporter, Saudi Arabia has been attempting to navigate the complexities of its involvement in the Yemen conflict while refraining from joining a US-led naval coalition aimed at countering Huthi incursions. Concurrently, Saudi efforts to broker peace in Yemen have encountered obstacles, particularly in light of the recent Huthi assaults on commercial shipping.

The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East has been characterized by intense rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, with each nation aligning with different factions in regional conflicts. The deterioration of diplomatic relations in 2016 padded tensions, making the recent thaw in relations and potential military collaboration significant. The joint military exercises may symbolize a shift towards cooperative measures in light of shared regional security concerns, particularly influenced by events in Yemen and ongoing conflicts in the region. The resurgence of hostilities by the Huthi rebels has raised alarms regarding maritime security, thus requiring a reevaluation of military strategies by both Iran and Saudi Arabia, previously engaged in proxy conflicts within the region.

The proposed joint military exercises between Iran and Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, while still unconfirmed by Riyadh, signify a pivotal moment in relations between the two countries. Following years of diplomatic estrangement, the resumption of dialogue bolstered by Chinese mediation suggests a potential reconfiguration of military engagements in response to regional threats, particularly from Huthi forces in Yemen. The outcome of these discussions may herald an era of increased military cooperation between longstanding adversaries, with significant implications for regional security and stability.

Original Source: www.barrons.com