Saudi Ex-Official: Regional Stability Distant, Ties With US Based on Mutual Interests

Saudi Arabia has supported peaceful solutions and moving away from military options, according to Salem Al-Yami, a former advisor to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He stated that the current confrontation with Iran is significantly linked to American decisions, given the existing partnership between Washington and Israel in military operations. Al-Yami believes regional stability remains distant due to ongoing risks, tensions, and an unclear path for the confrontation.

Regarding Saudi-US relations, Al-Yami explained that they are based on mutual interests and cannot be reduced to a single stance or the level of US support during a specific crisis. He acknowledged perceived American shortcomings in some areas but asserted that the strategic relationship is not threatened, citing continued shared interests, particularly in energy and oil. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia is not in a position of weakness against the Houthis, possessing options, balances, and regional alliances, while continuing to support Yemeni legitimacy and aid the Yemeni people.

On normalization with Israel, Al-Yami noted that discussions about normalization have been ongoing under previous and current US administrations, which sought to push Riyadh towards relations with Israel. He affirmed that the Saudi stance has not fundamentally changed, and while the Kingdom does not reject discussions in principle, any progress is contingent on steps that address Palestinian demands. He stressed that normalization would not be free and requires serious Israeli action on Palestinian rights, aligning with the Arab Peace Initiative's principles, including ending the occupation and establishing a Palestinian state.

Concerning upcoming Israeli elections, Al-Yami stated that Saudi Arabia does not interfere in Israel's internal affairs or government formation, as this is up to the Israeli voter. Saudi Arabia's concern is that the next Israeli government will take practical steps to alleviate Palestinian suffering and move towards a political solution, regardless of the ruling parties. He sees difficulties in reaching a settlement due to political hardline stances in Israel, suggesting that US support and Israel's sense of power, contrasted with the perceived weakness of other regional actors, contribute to an ongoing imbalance of power. Al-Yami concluded by observing that regional power dynamics are not static and their ultimate trajectory remains open to multiple possibilities amid continuous political and military developments.