Antony Blinken’s efforts to establish common ground with another U.S. regional ally, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, were similarly met with resistance. The reluctance of these key allies to align with the U.S. position underscores the complex diplomatic landscape in the region.
Saudi and US diplomatic standoff
Notably, Saudi Arabia’s recent actions reveal a broader shift in its foreign policy. The nation has increasingly distanced itself from the United States during the Biden administration. And has been, fostering closer ties with its geopolitical rival, China.
Tensions flared last year when Saudi Arabia refused to heed the Biden administration’s call to increase oil production, leading to a diplomatic standoff.
This development is a significant departure from the strong alliance that existed during the Trump administration, marked by a series of treaties and agreements.
There were even signs that Saudi Arabia and Israel were on the brink of a historic agreement that could have normalized relations between the two nations, building on the Abraham Accords established during the Trump era.
