Riyadh's Calculated Risk: A New Front in Iraq and a Warning to Tehran The recent joint air strikes by Saudi Arabia and the US against Iran backed militias in Iraq have sent shockwaves through the region, marking a significant shift in Riyadh's stance towards its long time rival.
The operation was justified as an act of self defence by Saudi officials, but the question on everyone's mind is: what does this mean for the delicate balance of power in the Middle East?
For months, Saudi Arabia had been holding back from direct military involvement alongside the US, opting instead to rely on intercepting incoming attacks and seeking a diplomatic solution.