Facing the Most Problematic Actor: The Giant Dilemma of bin Salman and Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia tried to stay out of the Middle Eastern fire but failed. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman faces dilemmas: aerial threats, geopolitical strangulation from Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Despite attempts at independence, Riyadh is forced to rely on the US, which approved an emergency arms deal.

Saudi Arabia tried to stay out of the Middle Eastern fire but failed to do so over time. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman faces key dilemmas: aerial threats, geopolitical strangulation from Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea threatening oil export routes. In response, the Saudis began pumping oil through an internal pipeline to Yanbu, but this route is also at risk. Despite attempts at political independence, Riyadh is forced to rely on the US, which approved a two-billion-dollar emergency arms deal. The article describes the tragedy of regional powers planning autonomy but being forced back under the American patron's umbrella.