Saudi Arabia's dilemma as it tries to stay out of US-Iran war
Saudi Arabia is navigating a complex geopolitical landscape as it attempts to balance its Vision 2030 goals with increasing involvement in regional conflicts. Following attacks from Iranian-backed proxies, the Kingdom has shifted toward joint military strikes with the US while weighing the risks of further escalation.
Why it matters
The stability of the Middle East and global oil markets remains highly sensitive to the evolving military engagement between Saudi Arabia, the US, and Iranian-backed militias.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images Image caption, 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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