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Source: https://www.inss.org.il/publication/departure-from-detente/
Saudi Arabia's New Assertiveness
(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Yoel Guzansky - Since Feb. 28, 2026, Saudi Arabia has been repeatedly targeted by Iranian missile and drone attacks. Despite this, Riyadh's response remained restrained and measured. It refrained almost entirely from direct confrontation with Iran. It continued to emphasize its desire for a political solution and de-escalation, while repeatedly exerting pressure on the U.S. to halt planned strikes against Iran. Yet, recent weeks point to a change in the way Riyadh is defending itself. Rather than exercising restraint regarding strikes carried out via Iranian proxies in Iraq and Yemen, the kingdom is displaying an increasing readiness to use military force against them. The Saudi initiative to establish a multinational force in the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden to counter the Houthi threat to freedom of navigation has garnered the support of 13 nations including Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. Saudi Arabia is no longer content with passive defense, but rather seeks to lead a military coalition capable of taking action against the Houthis if necessary. The coalition illustrates how Saudi Arabia is acting to construct regional security mechanisms under its leadership, mobilizing Arab, Muslim, and African states without direct reliance on the U.S., which, along with Europe, remains outside the initiative. This shift in Saudi strategy is also reflected in Riyadh's decision to participate in joint strikes with the U.S. against pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, following their launch of drones targeting the kingdom's oil facilities and infrastructure. From Riyadh's perspective, this military response constitutes an exercise of its right to self-defense. The writer, who formerly coordinated Iran and Gulf affairs at Israel's National Security Council, is a senior researcher at INSS.