Riyadh Forms Regional Alliances Amid Rising Tensions

Saudi Arabia is taking steps to bolster its defenses as regional tensions rise. The kingdom is forming new alliances, including a multinational maritime coalition in the Red Sea and a defense pact with Turkey and Pakistan.

Riyadh's move comes amid growing attacks from Iran and its allies, which have targeted Saudi oil infrastructure and shipping routes. Analysts say these attacks are likely motivated by Saudi Arabia's reluctance to engage in direct military action.

The kingdom is seeking to strike a balance between protecting its economic interests and avoiding involvement in the wider conflict between the US and Iran. 'Saudi Arabia's problem is that the kingdom's enemies know it wants to avoid war,' said a Middle Eastern official.