Saudi Arabia is navigating mounting pressure as the Iran war reshapes the Middle East. Riyadh quietly backs efforts weakening Tehran, its "strategic adversary," while trying to avoid escalation, says Megan Sutcliffe, principal analyst for the Middle East and Africa at Sibylline. Trade disruptions and the threat of Houthiattacks could trigger "an economic nightmare" by cutting key routes. In response, the kingdom is boosting defense spending and diversifying alliances, even as the conflict tests its Vision 2030 reform plans.