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Saudi Forces Partake in Several War Games to Boost Stability

Saudi fighters fly over Greece as part of the Eagle Eye 1 military maneuvers (SPA)
Saudi fighters fly over Greece as part of the Eagle Eye 1 military maneuvers (SPA)
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Saudi Forces Partake in Several War Games to Boost Stability

Saudi fighters fly over Greece as part of the Eagle Eye 1 military maneuvers (SPA)
Saudi fighters fly over Greece as part of the Eagle Eye 1 military maneuvers (SPA)

The Saudi Defense Ministry is stepping up efforts to develop the Kingdom’s defense capabilities through exchanging military expertise at war games Saudi Arabia is partaking in alongside other countries in 2021.

Saudi air forces, navy and army have participated in drills at diverse military training sites inside the Kingdom and abroad. In the first 90 days of 2021, Saudi Arabia took part in around seven different military maneuvers that tested its defense capabilities under various circumstances.

According to observers, Riyadh is strengthening its leadership position and developing its military capabilities with allies to help boost stability in the region.

“Saudi forces are uniquely interested in military maneuvers in the Arab region, and actively participate in regional or international military exercises,” retired Maj.-Gen. Shami Al Daheri told Asharq Al-Awsat.

He added that the Kingdom enjoys high defense capabilities and carries out its military operations with high precision to avoid civilian collateral damage.

“Saudi forces, especially the Royal Saudi Air Forces (RSAF), possess great combat readiness. They have proven this by confronting Houthi attacks and other attempts to undermine security in the Kingdom,” said Daheri.

“Aerial targeting carried out by Saudi forces against Houthi outposts in Yemen is characterized by being very accurate and works to ensure that civilians and non-military installations in Yemen are not affected,” he added.

It is worth noting that the RSAF is taking part in Eagle Eye 1 military drill scheduled for March.

Last week, the RSAF arrived with its full air, technical and backing up crews in Souda Airbase at the Greek island of Crete, where they, alongside their Greek counterparts, will carry out air sorties and joint exercises over the Mediterranean Sea.

The drill aims to boost the skills of the air and technical crews, raise the combat readiness of the Saudi air force and exchange military expertise.

Daheri described the Saudi-Greek maneuver as “unique” in terms of it taking place over the Mediterranean.

“The theater of operations has a very large role in the success of the exercise,” he noted, but stressed that the location has nothing to do with current tensions among neighboring countries.

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Gulf

Saudi Arabia Launches Regional and Global Diplomatic Drive to Contain Israel-Iran Conflict

A thick column of smoke rises above an oil refinery south of Tehran after it was targeted in an overnight Israeli airstrike (AFP). 
A thick column of smoke rises above an oil refinery south of Tehran after it was targeted in an overnight Israeli airstrike (AFP). 
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Saudi Arabia Launches Regional and Global Diplomatic Drive to Contain Israel-Iran Conflict

A thick column of smoke rises above an oil refinery south of Tehran after it was targeted in an overnight Israeli airstrike (AFP). 
A thick column of smoke rises above an oil refinery south of Tehran after it was targeted in an overnight Israeli airstrike (AFP). 

Saudi Arabia has intensified its diplomatic efforts to contain the escalating confrontation between Israel and Iran, reaffirming its rejection of Israeli military actions and calling for restraint, dialogue, and diplomatic solutions.

Since the launch of Israel’s “Rising Lion” operation against Iran on Friday, Riyadh has positioned itself as a key regional actor working to defuse tensions and prevent further destabilization.

Within hours of the Israeli strikes, the Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation, describing the attacks as a violation of Iranian sovereignty and international law. The Kingdom urged the United Nations and the international community to assume their responsibilities in halting what it called a “heinous aggression.”

The diplomatic push quickly gained momentum. Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan initiated a flurry of calls with regional and international counterparts, beginning with a conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The Saudi side emphasized the need to reject military force and pursue diplomacy, warning that continued aggression would undermine ongoing efforts to de-escalate the crisis.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched a parallel track of high-level consultations with global leaders. As of Monday, the Crown Prince had held at least seven official calls, including with US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

In a significant move reflecting Riyadh’s humanitarian commitment amid the conflict, King Salman ordered the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to facilitate all services for Iranian pilgrims currently in the Kingdom. The order, based on a proposal from the Crown Prince, ensures the safe accommodation and eventual return of Iranian nationals affected by the situation.

The Crown Prince also held a notable call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s assistance. He noted that the Kingdom, given its stature in the Islamic world, could play a central role in promoting unity among Muslim countries.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry has conducted over 20 rounds of consultations in less than four days, including in-person meetings with the British and German foreign ministers in London and Riyadh, as well as a key appearance at the Gulf Cooperation Council’s emergency ministerial meeting.

Analysts say the Kingdom’s approach is rooted in a consistent doctrine that prioritizes diplomacy over force. Political analyst Munif Al-Harbi described Saudi Arabia as a “trusted peace broker,” leveraging strong ties with both Washington and Tehran to push for a return to negotiations, particularly over Iran’s nuclear program.

Political analyst Nidal Al-Sabaa highlighted Saudi Arabia’s balanced regional posture in recent years, which has helped it earn the trust of major powers. He predicted Riyadh will use its influence, especially in Washington, to press for an end to hostilities and keep diplomatic channels open.