Yemen, as a serious and complex focal point in regional developments, has provided an opportunity for the convergence of Iran and Saudi Arabia. The two countries, which were once known as long-standing rivals, now face a common threat. A threat that is clearly represented on a map called 'Greater Israel.' Israeli officials have pointed to the expansion of borders from the Nile to the Euphrates and from Lebanon to Saudi Arabia, and these statements indicate a long-term plan to change the geopolitical landscape of the region.
Challenges and Opportunities
Saudi Arabia is currently in a fragile position. Ansar Allah has demonstrated its power in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb, creating threats to oil exports and shipping routes. At the same time, Saudi interceptor missile reserves are also diminishing. The massive 'Vision 2030' projects of Saudi Arabia depend on the security of these routes, and a greater danger lies within regional alliances. The UAE, once an ally of Riyadh, has now become a serious competitor and supports the southern separatists. This rift could weaken the Gulf Cooperation Council and even pave the way for the fragmentation of Saudi Arabia.
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The Necessity of Security Cooperation
The common point for Iran and Saudi Arabia in this critical situation is the necessity of cooperation to establish sustainable security. Saudi Arabia has previously proposed a regional 'non-aggression pact,' and the revival of relations in 2023 through China's mediation indicates Riyadh's understanding of the importance of regional security cooperation. Iran has also consistently emphasized the need for regional security to be managed by the countries of the region themselves. In this context, the security of Hajj, oil exports, maritime trade, and the stability of the Gulf are common interests that require cooperation and avoidance of protracted conflicts.
Ansar Allah, as an independent actor in the equations of Yemen, can play a crucial role in reducing tensions and achieving a security understanding between Tehran and Riyadh. This group acts based on its interests and calculations and can serve as a mediator in negotiations between Saudi Arabia and other involved parties. Cooperation between Tehran and Riyadh could form a framework for multilateral security where tensions are managed through dialogue rather than foreign interventions. This cooperation could lead to a new reality in the Middle East where regional countries are the decision-makers regarding their own security.
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