Saudi Arabia aligns with US and Israel over Iran strikes

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has aligned seamlessly with the United States and Israel over their attack on Iran. The western-backed Gulf theocracy was hit by Iranian missiles in response to the US and Israel attack on 28 February.

The Saudi foreign ministry posted on X:

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in strongest terms the blatant Iranian aggression and the flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.

The ministry offered solidarity to its neighbours:

The Kingdom affirms its full solidarity with and unwavering support for the brotherly countries, and its readiness to place all its capabilities at their disposal in support of any measures they may undertake.

And warned of “grave consequences”:

It also warns of the grave consequences resulting from the continued violation of states’ sovereignty and the principles of international law.

Saudi Arabia and Gulf States are the empire

The Gulf States were formed by the western powers including the British after WWI. They remain a core part of US imperial architecture today. As the Muslim Social Justice Initiative (MSJI) said on 28 February:

Israel fights under the cover and with the security of US bases in the heart of your Arab capitals.

The Saudis cancelled flights as the bombing continued:

Saudi Airlines on Saturday announced the temporary cancellation of a number of flights due to developments linked to the escalating Iran-Israel confrontation, citing security and safety standards.

The carrier urged passengers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.

Questions were also raised about the impacts of the war on global oil prices and the broader economy.

OilPrices.com said:

Analysts expect significant volatility and a sharp “war premium” to be priced into crude oil when markets open, as the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, is now considered a war zone.

Geopolitical analyst Guney Yildiz told Forbes:

Every energy executive reading this knows the number: 20 million barrels per day. That volume — roughly 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption, worth approximately $500 billion in annual trade — transits the Strait of Hormuz. All of Qatar’s LNG. All of the UAE’s seaborne crude. Most of Kuwait’s and Iraq’s exports.

Drop Site News reported on 24 February:

The Iranian military has also carried out a series of ballistic and anti-ship missile tests in addition to naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz intended to simulate a possible closure of the vital waterway.

Less than a day into the US-Iran war allegiances, sovereignty and nerves are being tested. But Saudi loyalty to the US seems very much intact.

Featured image via the Canary