Iran and Saudi Arabia are reportedly planning joint military exercises in the Red Sea, though Riyadh has not confirmed this.

This would mark the first collaboration between the two rivals, who restored diplomatic relations last year after severing ties in 2016.

Iran’s navy commander mentioned ongoing coordination for the drills.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have attacked ships in the Red Sea, escalating tensions amid the Israel-Hamas war, the Times of Israel has reported.

Saudi Arabia, involved in the Yemen conflict since 2015, is trying to distance itself from the war but has not joined a US-led coalition against Houthi attacks.

Written by B.C. Begley