Saudi Arabia's dilemma as it tries to stay out of US-Iran war
Saudi Arabia faces a difficult dilemma in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, having initially tried to remain neutral but now engaging in joint strikes with the US against Iranian proxy militias after being attacked. The country must decide whether to continue retaliating as a deterrent or seek de-escalation, possibly through payments to adversaries.
Why it matters
This conflict has significant geopolitical implications, potentially escalating into a wider regional war, impacting global oil markets, and reshaping alliances in the Middle East.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Frank Gardner BBC security correspondent AFP via Getty Images Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince has embarked the country on a course known as Vision 2030 Saudi Arabia is facing a difficult dilemma. Ever since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran on 28 February, the Saudis have largely tried to stay out of it.
But now, after being attacked from three sides, the Saudis have had enough. This week, they carried out joint strikes with the US on Iranian proxy militias in Iraq who they believe have been launching drones at the Kingdom.
For Saudi Arabia the dilemma now is whether to keep on hitting back as a deterrent, or whether to try to de-escalate the situation, perhaps by paying off some of their adversaries.
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