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Exclusive Saudi Arabia steps up diplomacy to contain escalating Iran-Israel conflict
As the Iran-Israel conflict enters its sixth day, Saudi Arabia has been ramping up its multilateral diplomatic efforts to push for regional stability – underscoring Riyadh's active political role in trying to prevent a wider conflict. The flare-up, marked by Israel's surprise 'Rising Lion' operation against Iran, has derailed ongoing diplomatic efforts and disrupted attempts to de-escalate the situation.
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Saudi researcher in international relations, Dr. Salem Al-Yami, explains that the Kingdom and other Gulf states are acting with restraint and foresight, seeking to contain the tensions ignited by Israel's actions. He exclusively told Al Arabiya that Gulf countries, led by Saudi Arabia, are engaging regional and international players to calm tensions and mitigate the fallout from the ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel.
'Deeply troubling developments'
According to Alyami, the region is witnessing extremely troubling events, especially given the clear violations of international law and norms. He describes the Israeli actions as a blatant attack on a sovereign state.
His remarks come amid six consecutive days of military escalation between the two countries, with both sides launching aerial and ballistic strikes in a tit-for-tat pattern that shows no sign of abating.
Escalating media campaigns
These military exchanges have been accompanied by fierce media battles. Israel continues to express its resolve to neutralize Iran's nuclear capabilities, while Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei – who controls key decision-making in the Islamic Republic – has refused any negotiations with what he refers to as 'the Zionist terrorist entity,' as he posted yesterday on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
Saudi, Gulf calls for de-escalation
According to Alyami, Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, are united in urging all parties to de-escalate and pursue peaceful solutions – away from military action. This aligns with their consistent calls for respect of international law and norms, as well as their appeals to the United Nations to intervene urgently and prevent further loss of life or damage to regional interests. Alyami emphasized that these efforts stem from a sense of moral responsibility.
Saudi influence
Richard Weitz, director of the Center for Political-Military Analysis at Hudson Institute, also believes Saudi Arabia can play a pivotal role in resolving the crisis. He cites Riyadh's status as a strategic partner of the United States – especially under President Donald Trump, who has been working to strengthen ties with the Kingdom and other Gulf nations.
While Trump's stance on Israel's strikes against Iran has been somewhat ambiguous, his support for Israel's broader goal of eliminating Iran's nuclear ambitions appears increasingly clear.
Palestinian cause
In comments made to Al Arabiya, Weitz also rejects the idea that Saudi Arabia's role is limited to the current Iran-Israel tensions. He notes that Riyadh has not lost sight of the Gaza conflict, even as the world's attention shifts elsewhere. He points to Saudi Arabia's statement on Tuesday at the United Nations in Geneva, where Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila condemned Israeli violations, settlement expansions, and the ongoing disregard for international laws and conventions.
A US need for Saudi mediation
Weitz argues that US policy may soon require Saudi intervention, given Riyadh's strong regional influence. He points to Saudi Arabia's past diplomatic successes – from mediating in Sudan and defusing tensions between India and Pakistan, to brokering talks between Russia and Ukraine.
With a long track record in diplomacy, the Kingdom has demonstrated its ability to bring adversaries to the negotiating table – even facilitating meetings between the US and Russia after decades of Cold War hostility. According to Weitz, Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to help shape outcomes and steer crises toward resolution.
