Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic resolve: Why Riyadh refuses to abandon the negotiating table

Saudi Arabia is demonstrating that military pressure does not have to come at the expense of diplomacy. Despite facing growing security threats, the Kingdom has continued to position itself as a regional and international mediator, reinforcing its argument that lasting security depends not only on military strength but also on dialogue, negotiation and respect for international law.

Over the past three years, Riyadh has emerged as an important destination for diplomatic engagement. In 2023, representatives of Sudan’s warring factions signed a declaration in Jeddah committing to protect civilians. The city also hosted an international meeting involving representatives from around 40 countries to discuss a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine. In February 2025, Saudi Arabia hosted high-level discussions between American and Russian officials, followed a month later by talks between American and Ukrainian representatives in Jeddah. These initiatives have helped transform Saudi Arabia’s international image from that of a regional power primarily involved in geopolitical competition into an influential diplomatic facilitator.

Yet the Kingdom’s diplomatic approach is being tested by an increasingly dangerous security environment. In October 2026, Houthi missile and drone attacks have targeted Saudi airports, energy installations and other critical infrastructure. The attacks have caused casualties, disrupted commercial aviation and raised concerns about the possibility of a wider regional confrontation. Nevertheless, Riyadh has continued to emphasize diplomacy rather than allowing military escalation to dictate its entire foreign policy.