Saudi Arabia caught between US and Iran as war expands

Saudi Arabia is struggling to choose a clear path as the conflict between the United States and Iran spreads across the Middle East. Since the war began in late February, Riyadh has publicly condemned Iranian attacks on the kingdom and other Gulf states. Those strikes came after initial US and Israeli military action against Tehran. But behind the scenes, Saudi leaders face a difficult balancing act. They must manage their security alliance with Washington while also avoiding a direct war with a powerful neighbor. The kingdom has not committed to open support for the US-led campaign. Instead, it is carefully weighing its options as the fighting threatens to draw in more countries. Analysts say Saudi Arabia fears being caught in the middle. A full break with Iran could bring more attacks on its soil. But too much distance from the US could weaken its main security guarantor. For now, Riyadh is taking a cautious approach. It condemns violence but stops short of joining the conflict.