For much of its modern history, Saudi Arabia has preferred not to respond publicly to its critics or detractors. But today’s regional dynamics leave no room for silence. What has pushed the Kingdom toward a firmer, more assertive posture is the emergence of actors—including former allies—who have chosen to wield both hard and soft power in ways that undermine Saudi interests, often with deliberate betrayal.Despite this, Saudi Arabia has remained measured in its response. When forced to address provocations, distortions, or calculated insults, the Kingdom has refused to engage in escalation. It has not resorted to inflammatory language or mirrored the scale of the conspiracies waged against it. Instead, Riyadh has chosen clarity, strategic patience, and responsible restraint.That approach was evident in the Kingdom’s latest message to the Southern Transitional Council (STC): Saudi Arabia will not turn away from its responsibilities, which it sees as both moral and strategic, to safeguard its people and support its allies. Those who believed they could strike Saudi Arabia’s so-called “Achilles’ heel”—Yemen—were mistaken. The Kingdom will not stand idle in the face of sabotage or manipulation. This position is not about defending artificial “spheres of influence” but about protecting national interests, deterring risks, and closing any gaps that could be exploited to threaten regional stability. That the Kingdom’s actions in Hadramaut, Al-Mahrah, and Aden have not been met with international condemnation reflects global recognition of this restraint.Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Yemen is shaped by geography—a permanent, unchanging reality. The Kingdom has addressed cross-border security threats without interfering in Yemen’s internal affairs or seeking territorial advantage. Riyadh has no expansionist ambitions; it possesses a vast landmass, diverse geography, and a confident, resilient population with no need for conquest.The latest tensions in southern Yemen are not an internal matter alone. The parties involved chose geography that directly threatens Saudi sovereignty along a shared border stretching thousands of kilometers. A solution had been agreed with Yemen’s various factions, including the STC leadership, to convene a national dialogue in Riyadh to shape a future for the south that would not compromise the broader goal of restoring Yemeni legitimacy. But at the critical moment, Aidarus Al-Zubaidi, head of the STC, fled Aden and pulled out of the process—despite publicly thanking Saudi Arabia for its role in facilitating a pragmatic, risk-free roadmap.Those who believe such actions will fracture the Arab Coalition Supporting Legitimacy in Yemen profoundly misunderstand Saudi Arabia’s capabilities, alliances, and influence. The Kingdom possesses both hard and soft power in abundance and is capable of deploying both with precision.Under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi policy has prioritized a vision of regional stability and cooperation. Riyadh’s “zero problems” approach acknowledges that neither local nor regional development can flourish without peace. This vision has driven Saudi diplomacy from Syria to Sudan to Lebanon—and remains at the heart of its efforts in Yemen.The crisis in southern Yemen will likely end with a workable solution—beginning with the dissolution of the STC and the launch of a new, inclusive southern dialogue. What matters is that Yemeni interests prevail over personal ambitions and external agendas. Saudi Arabia does not seek wealth, territory, or control—it already possesses the resources, prosperity, and international standing that others strive for.The message is now unmistakably clear: any threat to the Kingdom’s security is a red line. And those who attempt to cross it will find Saudi Arabia resolute, united, and more prepared than ever to defend its stability—with firm, decisive, and legitimate action.For much of its modern history, Saudi Arabia has preferred not to respond publicly to its critics or detractors. But today’s regional dynamics leave no room for silence. What has pushed the Kingdom toward a firmer, more assertive posture is the emergence of actors—including former allies—who have chosen to wield both hard and soft power in ways that undermine Saudi interests, often with deliberate betrayal.Despite this, Saudi Arabia has remained measured in its response. When forced to address provocations, distortions, or calculated insults, the Kingdom has refused to engage in escalation. It has not resorted to inflammatory language or mirrored the scale of the conspiracies waged against it. Instead, Riyadh has chosen clarity, strategic patience, and responsible restraint.That approach was evident in the Kingdom’s latest message to the Southern Transitional Council (STC): Saudi Arabia will not turn away from its responsibilities, which it sees as both moral and strategic, to safeguard its people and support its allies. Those who believed they could strike Saudi Arabia’s so-called “Achilles’ heel”—Yemen—were mistaken. The Kingdom will not stand idle in the face of sabotage or manipulation. This position is not about defending artificial “spheres of influence” but about protecting national interests, deterring risks, and closing any gaps that could be exploited to threaten regional stability. That the Kingdom’s actions in Hadramaut, Al-Mahrah, and Aden have not been met with international condemnation reflects global recognition of this restraint.Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Yemen is shaped by geography—a permanent, unchanging reality. The Kingdom has addressed cross-border security threats without interfering in Yemen’s internal affairs or seeking territorial advantage. Riyadh has no expansionist ambitions; it possesses a vast landmass, diverse geography, and a confident, resilient population with no need for conquest.The latest tensions in southern Yemen are not an internal matter alone. The parties involved chose geography that directly threatens Saudi sovereignty along a shared border stretching thousands of kilometers. A solution had been agreed with Yemen’s various factions, including the STC leadership, to convene a national dialogue in Riyadh to shape a future for the south that would not compromise the broader goal of restoring Yemeni legitimacy. But at the critical moment, Aidarus Al-Zubaidi, head of the STC, fled Aden and pulled out of the process—despite publicly thanking Saudi Arabia for its role in facilitating a pragmatic, risk-free roadmap.Those who believe such actions will fracture the Arab Coalition Supporting Legitimacy in Yemen profoundly misunderstand Saudi Arabia’s capabilities, alliances, and influence. The Kingdom possesses both hard and soft power in abundance and is capable of deploying both with precision.Under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi policy has prioritized a vision of regional stability and cooperation. Riyadh’s “zero problems” approach acknowledges that neither local nor regional development can flourish without peace. This vision has driven Saudi diplomacy from Syria to Sudan to Lebanon—and remains at the heart of its efforts in Yemen.The crisis in southern Yemen will likely end with a workable solution—beginning with the dissolution of the STC and the launch of a new, inclusive southern dialogue. What matters is that Yemeni interests prevail over personal ambitions and external agendas. Saudi Arabia does not seek wealth, territory, or control—it already possesses the resources, prosperity, and international standing that others strive for.The message is now unmistakably clear: any threat to the Kingdom’s security is a red line. And those who attempt to cross it will find Saudi Arabia resolute, united, and more prepared than ever to defend its stability—with firm, decisive, and legitimate action.
Saudi Arabia’s red lines are now clear
