Isaias Afewerki

The Iran-Israel-US conflict weakened but strengthened Iran's regional posture, forcing Gulf states to redirect resources inward while maintaining structural interests in the Horn of Africa, creating opportunities for Ethiopia to redefine relations with Saudi Arabia as Tehran seeks Red Sea presence.

Amid escalating Iran-Gulf tensions reshaping Middle East security, Ethiopia has an opportunity to recalibrate its relationship with Saudi Arabia and regional Gulf powers by leveraging shifting geopolitical alignments and their reduced external engagement capacity.