Iran and Saudi Arabia are reportedly planning joint military exercises in the Red Sea, marking a potential first for the two nations. While not confirmed by Riyadh, Iran’s navy commander, Admiral Shahram Irani, stated that Saudi Arabia has requested the drills, with coordination and consultations currently underway.

The two regional rivals, who severed diplomatic ties in 2016, restored relations last year through a China-brokered deal. No specific timeline or further details about the exercises were provided.