US-Saudi Relations Hit Decades-Long Low Over Iran Conflict and Military Disputes

Tensions between the United States and Saudi Arabia have escalated to levels unseen in years, primarily due to disagreements over the ongoing conflict with Iran and the US military presence in the region. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Washington is considering reducing its military footprint in Saudi Arabia, a move still in early planning stages without a final decision. This development follows Saudi Arabia's refusal to allow the US to use its bases and airspace for "Operation Liberty," a Trump administration initiative aimed at securing safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi pressure for a diplomatic agreement with Iran led to the operation's suspension, angering US officials who threatened to delay missile deliveries to Riyadh if the kingdom did not reverse its stance. Eventually, Saudi Arabia permitted renewed use of its facilities, but the damage to bilateral relations remains significant.

The crisis has also strained diplomatic ties, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman declining to attend the G7 summit in France, citing prior commitments, while US officials, including Senator Marco Rubio, avoided visiting Saudi Arabia during regional trips, further fueling Riyadh's sense of insult. The discord began before the Iran conflict escalated, with Gulf states urging the US to pursue diplomatic solutions rather than military action, warning that attempts to overthrow Iran's regime could destabilize oil markets and regional security.

Despite initial Saudi resistance, the kingdom and other Gulf states later allowed US forces to conduct strikes against Iranian missile and drone sites, though Riyadh has not publicly acknowledged its active role. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on energy infrastructure across the Gulf, prompting Saudi efforts to de-escalate tensions by urging the US to lift sanctions on Iranian ports and engage in negotiations. However, the Trump administration maintained the embargo and launched "Operation Liberty," which was quickly undermined by Saudi non-cooperation.

The fallout has caused frustration in Israel and the United Arab Emirates, deepening rifts between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. The UAE even withdrew from OPEC, signaling closer security ties with the US and Israel. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia strengthened its alliance with Iran and brought in Pakistani forces as part of a new defense pact aimed at ending the conflict. Following US threats, Saudi Arabia lifted restrictions on US military access, but the US did not resume "Operation Liberty," instead quietly coordinating naval movements with communications turned off.

Currently, Washington is exploring shifting more military resources to countries that supported it more robustly during the conflict, such as Israel and Jordan, though no final decisions have been made. The crisis marks the most severe rupture in US-Saudi relations in decades, possibly since the 9/11 attacks.