As the Israeli-US conflict with Iran continues in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia appears to be relatively less affected. Public reports indicate fewer Iranian strikes on Saudi Arabia compared to other Gulf nations like the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait.
The BBC noted that Saudi Arabia and Oman, both hosting US and Western forces, have seen less aggression than other Gulf Arab states. An Atlantic Council analysis revealed only two attacks on Saudi Arabia in the first 48 hours after US-Israeli strikes, in contrast to over 150 missiles and 500 drones targeting the UAE.
Breaking Defence reported that the UAE faced 165 ballistic missiles, 2 cruise missiles, and 541 drones; Qatar dealt with 18 projectiles; Kuwait managed 97 ballistic missiles and 283 drones; and Bahrain encountered 45 missiles and 9 drones. While Saudi Arabia confirmed incoming attacks, they have not specified numbers, suggesting either fewer strikes or less transparency.
Though still early in the conflict, Saudi Arabia’s major infrastructure and civilian areas have not been heavily targeted, unlike its Gulf neighbors. The impact on civilian air traffic is minimal, with Saudi airports experiencing diversions and cancellations but not major disruptions. Rising oil prices benefit Saudi Arabia, with opportunities to gain Iran’s market share, supporting Vision 2023 projects.
Iran might be trying to divide Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, perhaps linked to the China-brokered 2023 agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which reopened diplomatic relations and reduced hostilities. This agreement created a quieter environment for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and helped Iran reduce its regional isolation.
The Houthis, part of Iran’s Axis of Resistance, have been a significant factor in this conflict. Iran has used them to pressure Saudi Arabia, but the new understanding between Iran and Saudi Arabia has led to deals with the Houthis, involving borders, revenues, and airstrikes. This suggests Iran may be reluctant to disrupt its improved relations with Riyadh by testing proxy loyalties.
Overall, the situation seems to favor Saudi Arabia, reducing its burden compared to other regional players due to these diplomatic and strategic adjustments.
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Willy Fautré is the founder of Human Rights Without Frontiers (Belgium). A former chargé de mission at the Belgian Ministry of National Education and the Belgian Parliament, he is the director of Human Rights Without Borders, a Brussels-based NGO he founded in 2001. He is a co-founder of the Raoul Wallenberg Committee (Belgium).
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