Iran and Saudi Arabia Announce Joint Military Drills in Red Sea

Iran has declared plans for joint military exercises with Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, pending Saudi confirmation. This follows a recent thaw in relations, highlighted by high-level talks between Iranian and Saudi officials and represents a significant shift after years of hostility since their diplomatic break in 2016. The announcement emerges despite Iran’s backing of the Houthis in Yemen amidst a protracted conflict.

Iran has officially announced its intention to conduct joint military exercises with Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea. The commander of Iran’s navy, Admiral Shahram Irani, disclosed that the Saudi government had requested Iranian participation in these operations. He stated that “Saudi Arabia has asked that we organise joint exercises in the Red Sea,” and emphasized that coordination is currently in progress, with delegations from both nations set to engage in discussions regarding the implementation of the exercises. However, specifics regarding the timing of these drills remain undisclosed. Earlier this month, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made a diplomatic visit to Riyadh, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, indicative of a thaw in relations between the two oil-rich countries. Diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia had been severed in 2016, following the execution of a notable Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia, which incited protests leading to the burning of the Saudi embassy in Tehran. Nevertheless, in 2023, both nations attended a summit hosted by China that facilitated the normalization of their diplomatic relations, which have strengthened progressively since then. This rapprochement occurs despite Iran’s continued support for Houthi forces in Yemen, who have been engaged in conflict against a Saudi-led coalition since 2015. A truce has been in effect since 2022, suggesting a complex but evolving geopolitical landscape.

The announcement of joint military drills between Iran and Saudi Arabia marks a significant development in their historically tense relationship. Following a severed diplomatic relationship in 2016 due to political and sectarian conflicts, the two nations have gradually moved towards reconciliation. The recent diplomatic efforts, including high-level discussions between both countries’ leaders, signify a concerted effort to foster closer bilateral ties. The context of these military drills must also consider Iran’s involvement with Houthi forces in Yemen, which adds a layer of complexity to their relations with Saudi Arabia, a key player in the Yemen conflict.

In summary, Iran’s announcement of joint military drills with Saudi Arabia represents a noteworthy moment in the re-establishment of diplomatic and military cooperation between the two traditionally adversarial nations. This development reflects the ongoing normalization of relations following years of hostility, and it occurs within a backdrop of regional conflict and shifting alliances in the Middle East. The outcomes of the proposed military exercises and future diplomatic interactions will be crucial in shaping the geopolitical dynamic of the region.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net