The war that came to be known as the “40-Day War” between the United States and Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, and continues to this day, has posed a profound test for the Gulf Arab states, of which geography has compelled to bear the consequences of Iran’s policies since the 1979 revolution. This challenge has been particularly severe for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which firmly rejects foreign interference, the so-called “export of the Islamic Revolution,” hegemonic ambitions, the destabilization of nations, and the terrorism, sabotage, and loss of innocent lives that stem from such actions. At the center of this crisis, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman remained steadfast in his commitment to wisdom, adopting a strategy of calculated patience to safeguard the security of citizens and expatriates alike. A careful assessment of the current regional turmoil demonstrates that, despite immense risks, Prince Mohammed bin Salman skillfully and calmly steered the ship, sparing the country and its people from indiscriminate ballistic missile strikes and drone attacks. This accomplishment stands as enduring evidence of the Kingdom’s resilience and its ability to navigate turbulent circumstances while minimizing both human and material losses. This is not an easy feat, as some might assume; its most significant aspect lies in reaping the rewards of diplomatic efforts cultivated since 2015. These efforts have strengthened the capabilities of the Saudi armed forces within a broader trajectory of national development, modernization, and economic restructuring. Simultaneously, the Kingdom has intensified initiatives aimed at advancing the Saudi people through development, education, employment, healthcare, social welfare, investment, and social openness, transforming Saudi Arabia into one of the world’s leading destinations for foreign investment. The distinctiveness of Saudi leadership and its diplomacy is reflected in the achievements realized across every sphere of national life. Foremost among these is the Kingdom’s transformation into an oasis of security, where citizens and expatriates continue to live safely despite the repercussions of the ongoing regional crises. This comes at a time when Iran perceives the Kingdom as a “vassal” of its adversary, the United States—an assessment that reflects a fundamental misunderstanding in Tehran’s thinking. The relationship between Riyadh and Washington has remained strong and enduring since its establishment in the late 1930s, founded on mutual respect for the Kingdom’s sovereignty over its territory, resources, and the decisions of its leadership and successive governments. The Crown Prince has exerted extensive efforts to modernize the armed forces and equip them with advanced weapons systems capable of repelling attacks. Nevertheless, he has remained committed to the principles of “good neighborliness” with Iran and to the Iranian people’s right to peace, development, and prosperity. This commitment has been demonstrated on multiple occasions, most recently through US President Donald Trump’s announcement that, at the request of the Saudi Crown Prince, he had decided to postpone devastating attacks planned against Iran. Prince Mohammed bin Salman also continues to stand firmly beside Pakistan, which is undertaking one of the most challenging mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran. The Saudi Crown Prince carries an immense burden. He is not only engaged in protecting his country from Iranian aggression, but is simultaneously confronting multiple challenges: restructuring the economy, implementing Vision 2030 projects, guiding international oil markets to preserve stability and ensure uninterrupted energy supplies, fulfilling the Kingdom’s responsibilities within the G20, and supporting stability in countries affected by violence and unrest, including Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, and Yemen. Undoubtedly, Prince Mohammed bin Salman has successfully navigated the complexities of international politics and the dangers of instability and hegemony through an approach rooted in wisdom, patience, and exceptionally astute diplomacy. His leadership reflects a deep understanding of the importance of securing vital national interests while demonstrating the flexibility necessary to overcome obstacles, remove barriers, and strengthen mutual understanding with nations, alliances, and entities. More precisely, it represents Saudi diplomacy that has consistently proven its ability to achieve transformative shifts across all dimensions of foreign relations. These achievements are reflected domestically, where people continue to enjoy security, economic stability, abundant goods, and resilient supply chains, even amid major regional crises and ongoing wars.
from https://ift.tt/XIA4vo0
0 Comments