Play store
Saudi Arabia is navigating a delicate balancing act as it seeks to stay out of the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran, even as regional attacks push the Kingdom closer to confrontation.
Since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on 28 February, Riyadh has largely avoided direct involvement.
However, a series of drone attacks believed to be carried out by Iran-backed militias has intensified pressure on Saudi Arabia to respond.This week, the Kingdom joined US forces in targeting Iranian proxy groups in Iraq, signaling a shift from restraint to limited retaliation.
The core dilemma for Saudi leaders is whether to continue striking back as a deterrent or pursue de-escalation to prevent a broader regional war. Either path carries significant risks—escalation could draw Saudi Arabia deeper into conflict, while restraint may invite further attacks.
The wider conflict pits Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against a network of allied groups across the region.
These include the Houthi movement in Yemen, which has controlled large parts of the country since 2014, and Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces, accused of launching dozens of drone strikes on Saudi territory.
Hezbollah in Lebanon, another key Iranian ally, remains a powerful force but has so far kept a relatively low profile amid the current tensions.
As the situation unfolds, Saudi Arabia’s next steps will be crucial in determining whether the region edges toward escalation or finds a path to de-escalation.
