What has changed? The situation of Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East
Growing understanding regarding Mohammed bin Salman's influence on Donald Trump to cancel the intensification of US military strikes in Iran. The situation for Saudi Arabia remains complex, and Iran shows no genuine interest in diplomacy.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called US President Donald Trump over the weekend and urged him to refrain from attacking Iran. According to an op-ed by Jonathan Schanzer published in the 'New York Post', Trump acceded to the request and postponed a massive American bombing that could have changed the face of the war.
Saudi Arabia is indeed in a complex situation: the Iranian regime continues to attack the kingdom using UAVs and missiles, and threatens its oil and water resources. However, the Saudis are not without defense. American forces and even Greek air defense teams have ensured the country's security throughout the conflict. Despite this, instead of standing with the United States, Riyadh has begun to lean toward an alliance of countries known as 'STEP' — Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan.
US President Donald Trump at the NATO summit in Turkey, against Iran (Photo: DRM news)
These are countries considered allies of the United States, but currently, they are not necessarily promoting American interests. Their goal is to weaken the Shiite regime in Iran to restore Sunni hegemony to the Muslim world, but they fear the expansion of the war and call for diplomatic solutions.
However, the 'New York Post' clarifies, the Iranian leadership is not interested in diplomacy; any agreement is immediately accompanied by aggression in the Strait of Hormuz or attacks on Arab allies in the Persian Gulf. When Saudi Arabia asks for restraint, it must offer real alternatives and not clichés.
Instead of sitting on the fence, the Saudis should join the fight. Last month, they did carry out a single strike against pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, and there are reports of preparations for military action against the Houthis in Yemen, especially if they attempt to disrupt Saudi shipping in the Red Sea. In the past, Riyadh's war against the Houthis in 2015 was sharply criticized by lawmakers in the United States due to civilian casualties, but the reality has changed — a broad war is now underway across the Middle East.
Iran and its proxies are fighting the United States and its allies on several fronts, and one cannot expect Washington to fight alone. While Israel stepped up when asked and took part, it is time to demand this from the Saudis as well. The kingdom possesses a vast arsenal of fighter jets, helicopters, tanks, and other advanced American weaponry. Its forces are well-equipped for the struggle, even if there are questions regarding their combat experience, and ultimately it is a matter of will. In the current reality, the president must send a firm message to Riyadh: it is time to join the fight, pay the bill — or simply get out of the way.
