Israel’s Prime Minister’s support for Saudi Arabia following attacks by Iran-backed Houthis is a clear signal to Iran. While Iran considers both Israel and the Arab states to be adversaries, the fact that the adversaries shake hands is perhaps something Tehran does not expect to see.
Not only attacking Saudi Arabia, Iran can also use the Houthis against Israel. This is nothing new, but Iran’s upgraded range of drones used by the Houthis in Yemen could place targets in Israel under attack.
In addition, the force can use long-range missiles and drones to attack oil tankers off the coast of Yemen and the Gulf of Oman, which could affect the global flow of oil.
Smoke rises from a Saudi Aramco petroleum depot after an attack in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on March 26, 2022. (credit: STRINGER/REUTERS)
With the Houthis, Iran can launch proxy wars in the region. Countries that are hostile to Iran are therefore also unlikely to be at peace. However, despite disagreements with Israel on the Palestinian issue, the threat from Iran makes many Arab countries willing to turn enemies into friends.
The current common context includes Iran’s understanding that its increased attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE can not only bring these countries closer together when it comes to issues related to Yemen, but also draw Riyadh closer to Israel. This process has been going on since 2015, but the public meeting in the Negev is symbolic of a new era.
Saudi Arabia is pondering this new era. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have some differences from Yemen over the past two years. But the Houthis’ attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE in recent months illustrate Iran’s increased use of the Houthis to attack elsewhere.
Iran also knows that US special envoy for Iran Rob Malley spoke in Doha about a deal with Iran that probably won’t actually happen. He also said the US would maintain sanctions on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
at Blogtuan.info – Source: Soha.vn – Read the original article here
