Iran and Saudi Arabia: A Historic Military Collaboration in the Red Sea
Iran has announced that historically rival Saudi Arabia will participate in joint military exercises in the Red Sea, organized at Saudi Arabia’s request. This initiative follows a recent restoration of diplomatic ties between the nations, previously severed in 2016. The exercises aim to foster regional cooperation amid ongoing conflicts, including threats from the Houthi rebels in Yemen. While Iran conducts parallel drills with Russia and Oman, Saudi Arabia has not yet confirmed its participation.
Iran has announced that Saudi Arabia will participate in upcoming joint military exercises in the Red Sea, marking a significant development for the two nations who have only recently improved their strained diplomatic relations. Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of Iran’s navy, stated that Saudi Arabia had requested Tehran to arrange these exercises in the Red Sea, as reported by the Iranian news agency ISNA. However, Irani did not disclose specific dates for the planned drills. Currently, Iran is engaged in joint naval exercises with Russia and Oman, which began over the weekend. Saudi Arabia has yet to provide confirmation regarding its involvement in these military drills. Historically, Saudi Arabia and Iran have been geopolitical rivals in the Middle East, frequently supporting opposing factions in various regional conflicts. The two nations severed diplomatic ties in 2016, but they restored relations in 2023 following a surprise deal brokered by China. While engaged in diplomatic discussions around the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Saudi Arabia has refrained from participating in the US-European naval coalition aimed at protecting merchant vessels from the attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The Houthi group, which is based in Yemen, has frequently targeted military and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, amid heightened tensions due to the conflict in Gaza. Remarkably, Saudi Arabia’s unwillingness to respond to Houthi actions came as a surprise, especially given its previous support for the Aden government’s battle against the insurgents. The Houthi assaults in the Red Sea have complicated Saudi Arabia’s efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen. Simultaneously, Iran has commenced joint military drills with Russia and Oman in the Indian Ocean, labeled “IMEX 2024.” These exercises focus on enhancing “collective security in the region, expanding multilateral cooperation, and showcasing the goodwill and capabilities for peace and maritime security,” as stated by Iranian state media. To date, Iran has conducted five joint drills with Russia and China in the Gulf of Oman, and Saudi Arabia was among six countries invited to observe these operations.
The announcement of Saudi Arabia’s participation in the joint military drills with Iran is a significant shift in the dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics. For years, Saudi Arabia and Iran have been at odds, often engaging in proxy conflicts across the region. The recent restoration of diplomatic ties between the two nations, facilitated by a Chinese-brokered agreement, has opened the door for potential collaboration. The historical context of mutual rivalry, characterized by competing influences and allegiances in the region, underscores the importance of this exercise as a potential turning point in Gulf relations.
Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the joint military drills with Iran represents a remarkable development in their historically contentious relationship, signaling a possible easing of tensions in the region. As both nations navigate the complexities of ongoing conflicts involving external actors, the successful execution of these drills will be crucial for reinforcing stability and security in the Red Sea, a vital international trade route. The outcome of this collaboration, alongside Iran’s ongoing military partnerships with Russia and Oman, may significantly impact regional alliances and security strategies.
Original Source: nypost.com
