Iran & Saudi Arabia to conduct joint naval drills in Red Sea

Iranian news outlets on Thursday reported that Iran and Saudi Arabia are set to hold further joint military exercises in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, highlighting the deepening military cooperation between the two regional powers.

The announcement follows a request from Saudi Arabia to conduct the drills, which both countries are currently coordinating.

Iranian Navy chief, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, confirmed that both nations are in discussions to organize the exercises, marking another step in the warming relations between Tehran and Riyadh after the restoration of diplomatic ties in 2023, brokered by China.

This cooperation builds on earlier joint naval drills conducted in the Sea of Oman, involving other countries such as India, Russia, and Oman.

Riyadh also confirmed on Wednesday that its armed forces participated in the previous exercises with Iran, as regional powers continue to assert their capacity to ensure maritime security without external involvement.

The expanding military ties come as Saudi Arabia pivots away from complete reliance on US security support, forming stronger connections with countries like Iran and Russia, while also joining international blocs like BRICS.This shift is seen as part of Riyadh’s broader strategy to diversify its partnerships and adapt to changing geopolitical dynamics in the region.

Iran, Saudi can bring security to the region

Earlier this month, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) tweeted that Iran and Saudi Arabia can “help bring security and stability to the region.”

His tweet was posted following a high-level meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

“Together, Iran and Saudi Arabia can help bring security and stability to the region,” Araghchi stated. 

Araghchi said that he held “important discussions on critical issues” with MBS. 

He underlined that bringing stability to the region would require ” an enhanced level of political will” from involved parties. Araghchi also expressed his satisfaction with his visit to Riyadh, saying “I am pleased to take the first steps on a long journey” with Saudi officials. 

This visit comes amid an expected Israeli aggression on Iran after Iran retaliated against multiple Israeli crimes committed in the region, including the assassination of Hamas’ leader and top negotiator, martyr Ismail Haniyeh. To add to the gravity of the aggression, Haniyeh was assassinated in his residence in Tehran, just after he attended the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Araghchi said that the “Israeli regime is dragging the whole region into catastrophe,” as the occupation has reportedly threatened strikes targeting vital Iranian sectors, including the country’s nuclear program and its energy sector.