Why Saudi Arabia Gives the United States the Cold Shoulder in Response to Naval Coalition in the Red Sea?

By: A. Yeganeh

Among the outcomes of Operation Al-Aqsa Storm is the sympathetic response from Yemen, where the Yemeni Ansarallah movement can now wield a profound influence on the international economy. Yemen, with its strategic geographical location, holds sway over the crucial Bab el-Mandeb strait, to which the shipping lines and economic interests of Western countries are inextricably tied.

Disruption of this vital maritime artery incurs billions of dollars in losses for the global economy. Following the peace agreement with Saudi Arabia and the consolidation of its internal situation, Yemen has made substantial strides in response to the ongoing tragedy in Gaza and the crimes perpetrated by the Israeli regime. The Yemeni government issued a stern warning to Western powers regarding the ramifications of prolonging Israeli crimes in Gaza.

Regrettably, few Western parties grasped the gravity of these threats until they were confronted with the resounding success of Ansarallah's sea operations near the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Consequently, no vessel can traverse this strategic area without coordinating with Ansarallah, leading to a complete disruption of Western shipping routes to the Israeli port of Eilat.

Today, major commercial companies have changed their trajectories in order to reach Israel, being forced to turn to the Cape of Good Hope.

In response to this emerging equation in the Red Sea, the United States sought to forge a naval coalition against the Yemeni resistance. However, this initiative received a cold reception from numerous countries. Interestingly, neither Saudi Arabia nor the United Arab Emirates joined this coalition, with the former exerting substantial pressure on the United States to halt this rash move against the Yemeni resistance and avoid entangling the region in yet another war. In fact, Saudi Arabia's stance on this matter has sent shockwaves through Washington.

This unexpected realignment by Saudi Arabia, in tacit coordination with the Iran-led Axis of Resistance, has confounded many analysts. Following the rapprochement with Iran, Saudi Arabia has prioritized security and stability in the volatile Middle East region and is averse to jeopardizing its new approach towards Iran and the Axis of Resistance.

Today, observers concur that we no longer expect negative actions from this significant regional player in West Asia. Riyadh has astutely grasped a comprehensive understanding of the West Asian geostrategic dynamics, knowing that Iran and the Axis of Resistance will ultimately shape its future.

This wise approach will undoubtedly fortify Saudi Arabia's relationship with Tehran and its allies. While the UAE appears to be acquiescing to the power of the resistance axis, it is actively working to alter this state of affairs.

After eight years of futile war, Yemen no longer grapples with internal strife as it did in the initial stages of the Saudi-led aggression. Through recent military maneuvers, Yemen has garnered widespread popularity among the nations of West Asia, and its resistance leaders, much like those of Hezbollah, have earned significant legitimacy and admiration.

In conclusion, under the leadership of Iran, the Axis of Resistance is laying the groundwork for a new era in West Asia, where the presence of external powers is relegated to the annals of history. Security in the region will be upheld by the Axis of Resistance’s members, including Yemen’s Ansarallah, enabling the powerful regional nations to make tremendous strides under this umbrella of security.

This Iranian-led initiative is bound to unsettle Western capitals, as their presence in the region is no longer welcomed. The economic and military interests they have long pursued in this area have dissipated, and the region's countries are increasingly self-sufficient, meeting their needs through regional cooperation.