Saudi Arabia and Iran, two Middle Eastern nations with a longstanding adversarial history, joined forces for military exercises in the Gulf of Oman. This unprecedented collaboration marks a significant shift following years of political and sectarian rifts, and it signals a potential shift in regional power dynamics. The exercise, confirmed by Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry, took place over the last week and concluded on October 23.
Brigadier General Turki al-Malki, spokesperson for Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry, shared with the press that “the Royal Saudi Naval Forces had recently concluded a joint naval exercise with the Iranian Naval Forces alongside other countries in the Sea of Oman.” These “war games,” as they are commonly termed, appear to be more than mere exercises, symbolizing a potential realignment in regional diplomacy and security strategies.
Saudi Arabia and Iran have had a tense and often combative relationship for decades, marked by deep-seated differences and opposing ideologies. Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia and Shia-majority Iran have historically competed for influence across the Middle East, with their rivalry impacting conflicts in countries like Yemen, Iraq, and Lebanon. In 2016, diplomatic relations were severed after Saudi Arabia executed a prominent Shia cleric, which led to an escalation of hostilities.
In April 2023, however, China brokered a peace agreement between the two nations, culminating in a landmark diplomatic thaw. By April 2024, Saudi Arabia and Iran had resumed formal diplomatic ties. Since then, they have engaged in bilateral discussions aimed at reducing regional tensions, with military collaboration representing a significant step forward. In this context, the Gulf of Oman war games, though sparingly detailed by officials, suggest both nations are seeking to establish a level of strategic cooperation in a region marred by conflict.
Iran’s state-run news agency ISNA also reported that the joint exercise was conducted in the Sea of Oman, where military vessels from both countries practiced tactical maneuvers and collaborated on joint defensive strategies. Admiral Shahram Irani, Iran’s navy commander, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s interest in extending such collaborations. He remarked, “Saudi Arabia has asked that we organize joint exercises in the Red Sea.” Although no specifics about potential future exercises have been confirmed, this cooperation is likely to influence broader strategic alignments in the region.
What systems and weaponry each country deployed remains undisclosed, fueling speculation about the extent and depth of these exercises. Nevertheless, the involvement of both nations marks a rare instance of Saudi and Iranian forces working side-by-side in any military capacity.
Saudi Arabia and Iran’s rapprochement is notable given their opposing roles in the Yemen conflict. Saudi Arabia, alongside the UAE, has been a steadfast supporter of Yemen’s government, while Iran has backed the Houthi rebels, a group that has been targeting Saudi and allied interests in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Analysts suggest that Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Gulf of Oman exercises indicates a cautious approach, as it tries to shield itself from the growing regional conflict between Iran, its proxies, Israel, and the United States.
Tensions around Yemen have continued to escalate, with Houthi forces, allegedly receiving support from Iran, intensifying their attacks on shipping routes and energy infrastructure. These incidents, which align with Iran’s stance on supporting Palestinian efforts against Israel, underscore how deeply entangled these alliances have become. Iran’s alleged support for the Houthis complicates the broader security picture for Saudi Arabia, even as it seeks to build a diplomatic bridge with Tehran.
The Saudi-Iranian rapprochement arrives at a pivotal time. Experts believe Saudi Arabia is positioning itself to distance from direct involvement in Iran’s regional rivalries, particularly as tensions with Israel escalate. While Saudi Arabia has historically worked in alignment with Israel and the United States on regional security matters, the recent exercises indicate a nuanced shift in Riyadh’s approach to its foreign relations.
Reports earlier this month indicated a significant development: Iran launched a series of ballistic missiles at Israel. The situation has triggered expectations of an impending Israeli counterstrike, which places Saudi Arabia in a precarious position. Notably, while Saudi Arabia assisted Israel in repelling an Iranian air assault in April, it has since declined to open its airspace for any potential Israeli counterattack. This decision is especially critical as Iran issued a stark warning to Saudi Arabia, advising against facilitating Israeli operations and threatening Saudi oil infrastructure if the kingdom were to allow Israeli access.
Saudi Arabia’s regional positioning has prompted rumors of a potential normalization of relations with Israel. Riyadh has been reportedly exploring pathways to engage diplomatically with Israel, as the Abraham Accords brought closer ties between Israel and other Gulf nations, including the UAE and Bahrain. Yet, amid the present complexities, Saudi Arabia is taking a more measured approach, likely due to Iran’s recent threats and the kingdom’s internal considerations.
Observers believe Saudi Arabia’s cautious stance reflects both a desire to protect its interests and a growing uncertainty about U.S. support in the event of an Iranian escalation. The United States has maintained a longstanding security relationship with Gulf Arab states, but recent events have left some regional allies questioning the reliability of American protection. A history of attacks by Iran-backed militias on Saudi interests and infrastructure has underscored these uncertainties, with the United States often exercising restraint in direct military responses.
Saudi Arabia and Iran’s cooperation also comes shortly after Iran conducted military exercises with India, showcasing Tehran’s efforts to cultivate diverse regional partnerships. Earlier this month, Indian naval ships, including the INS Shardul and INS Tir, visited Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas to participate in a joint naval exercise in the Persian Gulf. The drills underscored India’s pragmatic foreign policy, which balances relationships with both Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as with Israel.
This Indian-Iranian collaboration occurred amidst mounting regional tensions, with Iran’s missile volley at Israel drawing significant international attention. India’s approach appears to underline its commitment to strategic flexibility and a balanced presence in West Asia, particularly at a time when New Delhi has strong bilateral agreements with Israel and investment interests in Iran’s Chahbahar port.
Amid these shifts, the Gulf region remains volatile. Saudi Arabia’s delicate balancing act between deepening cooperation with Iran and maintaining traditional alliances underscores the challenges facing Gulf Arab states as they navigate an increasingly multipolar global order. Several analysts point to the United States’ reduced interventionist stance as a factor motivating Gulf states to pursue their own security alliances and strengthen relations with former adversaries like Iran.
The evolving dynamics highlight Saudi Arabia’s balancing strategy as it engages diplomatically with Iran while maintaining its historical ties with the United States and considering a rapprochement with Israel. As tensions escalate, Gulf countries face the task of managing competing security interests in a region where international power struggles increasingly overlap with local conflicts and rivalries.
The region’s latest developments showcase the complex and shifting alliances reshaping Middle Eastern politics. Saudi Arabia and Iran’s Gulf of Oman drills mark a potential turning point, as the region stands on the cusp of both cooperation and confrontation.
