Saudi Arabia stresses maritime security, and smuggling weapons to Yemen is a major dilemma

The safety of maritime navigation in the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden is important for the stability of the region, including the war in #Yemen

Weapons smuggling into Yemen.

During Farhan's visit to Iran, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated that Saudi Arabia seeks to improve marine security in the important Gulf region.

"I would like to emphasize the importance of cooperation between the two countries in the field of regional security, particularly the security of maritime navigation... and the importance of cooperation between all countries in the region to ensure that they are free of weapons of mass destruction," the Saudi foreign minister said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, on the other hand, stated that "Iran has never equated security with militarization, but it considers it a broad concept that includes political, cultural, social, economic, and commercial aspects."

It is worth noting that the passage of oil tankers via the Strait of Hormuz, at the Gulf's mouth, has become a source of contention between Iran and the United States, which has strengthened its military posture in the region in recent years.

However, the disagreement is unlikely to grow into an armed confrontation due to the prospect of a substantial and severe impact on the global oil trade, as well as potentially widespread detrimental impacts on industry, trade, and energy around the world.

The Iranian supply of Houthi rebels in Yemen is also a serious issue. Tehran has long been accused of sneaking weaponry into Yemen for the Houthis and, as a result, prolonging the conflict. Smuggling weapons to Yemen has been a constant problem since the outbreak of the conflict in Yemen.

Yemen's maritime borders lack the capabilities required to be protected by the Yemeni Coast Guard, which is severely understaffed. However, several foreign ships, particularly those of the United States, patrol the maritime area to safeguard it against arms smuggling, piracy, and contraband smuggling. Large quantities of guns, ammunition, and contraband have been recovered in recent years while being smuggled into Yemen, most likely from Iran.

It is worth noting that achieving an agreement between Tehran and Riyadh on arms smuggling might greatly contribute to managing and resolving the Yemen crisis and putting the country closer to peace. However, it is critical to highlight the illiteracy of regional collaboration and to develop the capabilities of the Yemeni Coast Guard, as well as Yemen's security, intelligence, and military capacities in general.