Riyadh Caught in Regional Storm as Iran-Backed Forces Escalate Attacks

Saudi Arabia is finding itself increasingly entangled in regional conflicts it has tried to avoid. After months of restraint, Riyadh was forced into action following a series of attacks from its enemies in three directions: Iran and its proxies in Iraq and Yemen.

The last week saw missile strikes from the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, drone attacks from pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, and renewed threats from Tehran. In response, Saudi fighter jets, along with US planes, carried out strikes across eastern Iraq on Tuesday.

However, getting embroiled in a broader conflict would be a high-risk option for Riyadh. Over the last decade, it has focused on opening itself up to foreign investment and becoming a regional economic powerhouse. This strategy is now under threat as Saudi Arabia finds itself at the center of a storm.