Iran has announced plans for joint military exercises with Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, although Saudi Arabia has yet to confirm. The commander of Iran’s navy disclosed that discussions are underway regarding the organization of these drills. The move follows a trend of improving relations between the two countries, which had previously been strained since 2016. The normalization process continues amidst ongoing regional issues, particularly the conflict in Yemen.

Iran has publicly announced plans to engage in joint military drills with Saudi Arabia, with the operations slated to take place in the Red Sea. This announcement came from Admiral Shahram Irani, the commander of Iran’s navy, who stated that Saudi Arabia had extended an invitation for these joint exercises. While he emphasized that efforts for coordination are in progress, he did not disclose a timeline for the exercises. Interestingly, the Saudi Arabian government has not yet confirmed this development. Moreover, recent interactions between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman indicate a thawing of relations between the historically rival nations, which severed diplomatic ties in 2016. Since then, both countries have been working towards normalization, particularly following a summit hosted by China earlier in 2023, despite ongoing tensions stemming from Iran’s support for the Houthis in the Yemen conflict.

The announcement of joint military drills marks a significant step in the evolving relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia, two key regional powers that have historically experienced a contentious rivalry. The breakdown of diplomatic relations in 2016 was mainly precipitated by the execution of a Shia cleric by Saudi Arabia, which incited protests and further hostilities. However, a diplomatic thaw has occurred since 2023, as both nations seek to stabilize relations amidst regional turmoil and ongoing conflicts such as the Yemen civil war. The normalization of ties, especially after a summit in China, represents a shift that might have implications for security and cooperation in the region, despite existing support by Iran for the Houthis against Saudi interests.

The announcement of joint military drills between Iran and Saudi Arabia signifies a notable advancement in diplomatic relations between the two nations, historically marred by conflict and competition. As they move towards collaboration, particularly in military exercises, it raises questions regarding the potential for enhanced cooperation in addressing regional security challenges. However, the effectiveness and sincerity of this partnership remain to be seen, especially with underlying grievances still present. The evolving dynamics in the region will be critical to watch, as they may influence broader geopolitical interactions.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net

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