Iran has announced that Saudi Arabia will participate in historic military exercises in the Red Sea, following the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two nations. This announcement comes amid Iran’s ongoing joint military drills with Russia and Oman, highlighting significant shifts in regional dynamics and cooperation.
Iran has announced that Saudi Arabia will participate in joint military exercises in the Red Sea, marking a historic collaboration between the two nations who have recently restored their diplomatic ties after years of rivalry. Admiral Shahram Irani, the commander of the Iranian navy, stated that Saudi Arabia requested Tehran to organize these exercises. However, specific details regarding the timing of the drills remain unspecified, even as Iran continues to conduct naval exercises in cooperation with Russia and Oman since the weekend. As a longstanding competitor to Iran in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has traditionally supported factions opposed to Iranian interests within the region. The two nations had severed diplomatic relations in 2016 but reconciled in 2023 following a significant agreement brokered by China. Despite calling for a ceasefire amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Saudi Arabia has refrained from participating in the U.S.-European coalition aimed at protecting merchant vessels from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. These attacks have escalated as the Yemen-based Houthi group expresses solidarity with Hamas amidst the current regional tensions. Saudi Arabia’s reluctance to intervene against the Houthis is noteworthy, especially considering its previous military support for the Yemeni government, which has confronted the Iran-backed Houthi insurgency. Furthermore, reports of the planned Iran-Saudi Arabia naval exercises coincide with Tehran’s ongoing military drills with Russia and Oman, referred to as “IMEX 2024.” These exercises aim to enhance collective security, foster multilateral cooperation, and demonstrate a commitment to regional peace and maritime security. Iran has previously conducted five joint military drills with Russia and China in the Gulf of Oman, with Saudi Arabia being among the countries invited to observe these maneuvers.
The announcement of joint military exercises between Iran and Saudi Arabia signifies a pivotal moment in the relations between these two historically adversarial nations. The restoration of diplomatic relations in early 2023 after a prolonged period of conflict reflects a broader shift in regional dynamics, as both countries navigate complex geopolitical challenges within the Middle East. Saudi Arabia’s recent military and political decisions, including its stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict and its historical opposition to Iranian influence, demonstrate the complexities of regional alliances. The involvement of major powers like China in mediating this reconciliation further underscores the changing landscape in the region.
The planned military exercises in the Red Sea between Iran and Saudi Arabia mark a significant step in reassessing their bilateral relations and could potentially influence broader regional stability. The participation of Saudi Arabia in these drills, alongside Iran’s ongoing military collaborations with Russia and Oman, indicates an evolving security dynamic in the Middle East, necessitating continued observation of the geopolitical landscape. The implications of these exercises extend beyond military cooperation, signaling a possible shift in the historical rivalry towards a more collaborative engagement in regional and global affairs.
Original Source: nypost.com
