Transformations in the U.S.-Saudi Partnership: From Traditional Alliance to Strategic Interdependence

The U.S.-Saudi partnership has experienced significant transformations, evolving from a traditional alliance to one characterized by strategic interdependence, shaped by regional and global dynamics shifts. Saudi Arabia has become increasingly pivotal internationally, compelling the kingdom to recalibrate its political and economic priorities and strengthen its relationships with regional and global powers, including Russia. In parallel, U.S. foreign policy priorities have evolved, affecting the trajectory of its partnership with Riyadh. These changes reflect a transformation in bilateral cooperation, with strategic interdependence emerging as a defining feature of the relationship, particularly in response to regional and global challenges.
In the aftermath of recent U.S. strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, their attacks in the Red Sea intensified, placing the two countries’ strategic interests in a sensitive and complex phase. Both nations focus on regional stability and combating terrorism, though their tactical priorities diverge. The U.S. seeks to deter the Houthis and protect freedom of navigation, while Saudi Arabia prioritizes neutralizing threats and engaging in dialogue with the Houthis. Efforts to maintain the truce and avoid escalation continue, but differences in strategic approaches present a challenge. While Saudi Arabia did not directly participate in the recent U.S. strikes, coordination and information-sharing between the two nations persist as they work to address regional security challenges, with each side mindful of its respective priorities and limitations.
Amid ongoing changes in Syria, the U.S.-Saudi strategic partnership seeks to strike a careful balance in managing relations with various regional and Islamist actors, including Turkey. Cooperation centers on regional stability, counterterrorism, and containing Iranian influence while acknowledging differing priorities and tactics. The U.S. aims to reconcile its NATO partnership with Turkey with concerns over Turkey’s operations in Syria and its support for the Syrian Democratic Forces. Conversely, Saudi Arabia has adopted a pragmatic approach toward the new leadership in Damascus, seeking to promote regional stability, reduce Iranian and Turkish influence, and maintain communication channels with Ankara. This balanced strategy aims to coordinate efforts with key regional actors to ensure Syria’s unity and stability, preventing it from becoming a source of instability despite the ongoing complexities of alliances and competing interests.
The U.S.-Saudi strategic partnership regarding Iraq is currently defined by cautious coordination and an increased focus on countering Iranian influence. The U.S. places significant emphasis on supporting Iraq’s stability, sovereignty, and institutional strength, enabling it to resist external interventions and mitigate Iranian influence through political and economic support for the Iraqi government. Similarly, Saudi Arabia views Iraq as a critical strategic depth and seeks to deepen bilateral ties with Baghdad, including in energy and economic cooperation. Saudi Arabia continues to support Iraq’s efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen its internal security institutions, contributing to regional stability. The overarching goal is to build a strong, stable, and independent Iraq, aligning with U.S. efforts to reduce Iranian influence and bolster the Iraqi government’s sovereignty and efforts to eliminate militia influence. The kingdom has intensified its diplomatic and economic initiatives to reduce Baghdad’s reliance on Tehran and further its objectives in Iraq.
In the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia initiated a strategic repositioning within this sensitive regional file. The decision to reopen the Saudi embassy in Kabul was not simply symbolic but reflected the kingdom’s desire to fill the emerging regional vacuum and counter Iranian and Qatari attempts to expand influence in Afghanistan. Leveraging its religious and political clout, Riyadh aims to reclaim its pivotal role in Afghanistan, a country historically tied to its political interests since the Soviet Afghan War of the 1980s.
The visit of Afghan de facto Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Saudi Arabia in April 2025, accompanied by a semi-official reception, clearly signals this shift in direction. This move can be understood within the framework of regional balance theory, as Saudi Arabia seeks to establish direct influence channels with new actors in Kabul, while maintaining close security coordination with Washington, particularly on counterterrorism and preventing Afghanistan from becoming a sanctuary for extremist groups, all while engaging with Kabul without formal recognition, in line with international calls for comprehensive reforms.
This visit to Saudi Arabia conveys explicit political messages. Domestically, the Taliban seeks to enhance its legitimacy through engagement with Saudi Arabia, a nation of considerable regional and global influence, thereby securing significant symbolic support. Internationally, Riyadh is signaling to Washington and Western powers that it remains an influential partner, capable of engaging with actors that others find difficult to interact with. Regionally, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself to compete with Iran and other regional powers for influence in Central Asia while strategically avoiding confrontation. This also underscores its cooperation with Qatar and the UAE on the Afghan issue and other regional matters, such as the situation in Syria.
Conclusion
The outcomes of Saudi Arabia’s recent policies reflect profound shifts in the kingdom’s strategic thinking. Riyadh no longer relies solely on its traditional alliance with Washington but is diversifying its partnerships and expanding its influence through a multifaceted approach that includes diplomatic, economic, and security tools. From addressing the Yemen crisis to engaging in Afghanistan, from opening dialogue with Iran to strengthening cooperation with major global powers, Saudi Arabia is shaping a more pragmatic and flexible foreign policy.
Considering these changes, the U.S.-Saudi partnership has evolved beyond a relationship defined by oil and arms, becoming a complex strategic interdependence that reflects intertwined interests and complementary roles in a region undergoing rapid transformations, both
regionally and globally.
The original article is published on the White House in Arabic platform based in Washington

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