As Saudi Arabia Welcomes Trump, It Embraces Iran – And Israel Is Now Isolated

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — While U.S. President Donald Trump visits Riyadh as part of his first trip to the Middle East since returning to the White House, the strategic reality in the region appears to be shifting rapidly. The direction is clear — and it is not in Israel’s favor.

Trump’s high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia, which will later include stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, is aimed, among other things, at reestablishing the American partnership with the Gulf states. But beneath the surface, an entirely different regional order is taking shape. As Trump signs massive deals with the Saudi royal family, it becomes increasingly clear how Riyadh is distancing itself from Israel and drawing closer to Tehran.

A comprehensive analysis published by Dr. Yoel Guzansky and Dr. Dani Sitterman from the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) describes how Saudi Arabia is leading a risk-hedging strategy designed to keep the kingdom away from any potential confrontation with Iran. The public visit of the Saudi defense minister to Iran, along with a personal message from the Saudi king to Iranian leader Khamenei, is not just symbolic. It’s a clear expression of a paradigm shift. Instead of confrontation, the Saudis are opting for dialogue.

For Israel, this is a troubling development. The Israeli defense establishment’s working assumption — that Saudi Arabia would quietly support any action against Iran’s nuclear program — is no longer valid. Riyadh does not want to be perceived as involved, not operationally and not even perceptually. Any Israeli attempt to act from the air or to draw in regional partners is now blocked by Saudi Arabia’s desire to appear neutral.

The kingdom even supports, in principle, the formulation of a new nuclear agreement — contrary to Israel’s stance. It is also expected to demand a seat at the negotiation table, in line with its possible investments in Iran and the development of economic cooperation. With each passing day, the likelihood that a key Sunni state will side with Israel in the event of a confrontation is diminishing. In fact, Saudi Arabia may even exert pressure to prevent a military strike.

Against the backdrop of Trump’s visit and his renewed involvement in the region’s strategic discourse, the cracks in the unofficial alliance between Israel and the Gulf states are being exposed. Riyadh is moving closer to Iran while maintaining quiet communication with Jerusalem. It is sending a dual message: calm in exchange for calm — as long as no force is used. The United Arab Emirates is taking a similar approach. Israel, which previously relied on a pragmatic anti-Iran axis, now finds itself increasingly isolated.

This realization demands a strategic rethinking. Jerusalem may have to act even if the Arab world remains indifferent — or worse, opposes it. Deterrence is eroding, alliances are weakening, and the enemy is growing stronger. While Trump is warmly embraced by the royal family, the Khomeinists are already in sync with the Saudis — and, as usual, the price will be paid by Israel.