Saudi Arabia is quietly positioning itself as a stabilizing force in the Gulf, prioritizing regional security, diplomacy, and protection of energy routes while avoiding a wider war with Iran, according to a new analysis by Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas.
As tensions continue across the Gulf following months of conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, Saudi Arabia appears to be pursuing a carefully balanced strategy focused on deterrence, diplomacy, and regional stability rather than direct escalation.
In a detailed analysis published by Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas, the Kingdom’s position is described as deliberate, calculated, and consistent behind both public and private channels.
Abbas argued that Saudi officials “say what they mean and mean what they say,” while emphasizing that silence during sensitive moments should not be mistaken for weakness but rather viewed as strategic diplomacy.
According to the analysis, Riyadh’s primary objectives since the outbreak of Operation Epic Fury in February have been protecting Saudi citizens, preventing the war from expanding across the Gulf, and avoiding a prolonged regional conflict that could destabilize global energy markets.
Saudi Arabia also sought to ensure the unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, after Iranian actions and regional instability disrupted energy flows and increased fears of a global economic crisis.
The article suggested that Gulf states entering the conflict directly would have increased risks for civilian targets, oil facilities, and regional infrastructure without significantly altering the military balance between Iran and the US-Israel alliance.
Abbas noted that while Riyadh remains deeply aware of Iran’s long-term regional ambitions and security threats, it also recognizes that Iran will remain a permanent neighbor, making diplomacy and communication essential despite ongoing tensions.
The analysis highlighted several signals that Saudi Arabia has kept diplomatic channels open with Tehran, including continued contact between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as well as Riyadh’s support for Pakistan’s ongoing mediation efforts between Iran and the United States.
One symbolic move referenced in the article was Saudi Arabia’s decision to allow the Iranian ambassador to remain in Riyadh while reportedly asking Iran’s military attaché to leave, a gesture interpreted as maintaining political dialogue while signaling security concerns.
Abbas also referred to unconfirmed reports suggesting Saudi Arabia may have quietly retaliated against Iranian-linked militia targets in Iraq in response to earlier attacks against Gulf infrastructure, although he stressed such actions would likely have followed strict rules aimed at avoiding civilian casualties.
The analysis further argued that the current crisis could have been avoided had the Obama administration addressed Iran’s missile program and regional proxy networks alongside nuclear negotiations during the 2015 nuclear deal talks.
Looking ahead, Abbas suggested Riyadh’s broader goal is to prevent another round of war while encouraging a future regional security dialogue that could include non-aggression agreements and broader diplomatic engagement involving Gulf countries and Iran.
He emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s long-term priority remains peaceful coexistence, regional security, and economic stability amid one of the Middle East’s most dangerous geopolitical crises in years.
