Iran and Saudi Arabia Deepen Military Cooperation with Joint Exercises in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Iranian media reported on Thursday that Iran and Saudi Arabia are preparing to conduct further joint military exercises in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, signaling an increase in military collaboration between the two regional powers.
The upcoming exercises were initiated by a request from Saudi Arabia, with both nations now coordinating the details. Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, the Iranian Navy chief, confirmed that discussions are underway to organize the drills, marking another milestone in the improving relationship between Tehran and Riyadh following their diplomatic reconciliation in 2023, facilitated by China.
This cooperation follows previous joint naval drills held in the Sea of Oman, which involved several other countries, including India, Russia, and Oman. Saudi Arabia also confirmed that its forces participated in the previous exercises with Iran as part of a regional push to secure maritime routes without external intervention.
These expanding military ties reflect Saudi Arabia's strategic shift away from heavy dependence on U.S. security support, as the kingdom strengthens relationships with countries like Iran and Russia, while also joining international alliances like BRICS. This move is seen as part of Riyadh’s broader strategy to diversify its global partnerships in response to shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Iran and Saudi Arabia’s Joint Vision for Regional Security
Earlier this month, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) tweeted that Iran and Saudi Arabia can play a pivotal role in ensuring security and stability in the region. His comments came after a high-level meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who echoed the Crown Prince’s sentiments.
"Together, Iran and Saudi Arabia can help bring security and stability to the region," Araghchi stated, noting that the discussions addressed critical issues requiring "an enhanced level of political will." He expressed optimism about his visit to Riyadh, calling it "the first step on a long journey" of cooperation between the two nations.
Rising Tensions Amid Israeli Aggression
The strengthening ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia come amid rising tensions with Israel. Recent reports of Israeli threats to target key Iranian infrastructure, including the nuclear and energy sectors, have escalated the situation. These threats follow Iran’s retaliation for Israeli actions, including the assassination of Hamas leader and top negotiator, martyr Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in his Tehran residence after attending the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Araghchi warned that the "Israeli regime is dragging the whole region into catastrophe," underlining the serious consequences of continued aggression.