Why did Riyadh join US strikes on Tehran's allies in Iraq?

Saudi Arabia joined United States air strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq on Wednesday, marking the first time Riyadh has partnered with the US in such operations. The move breaks months of Saudi restraint in the region. While Saudi officials say the strikes were an act of self-defense, analysts are uncertain whether the kingdom is fundamentally altering its cautious approach to Tehran, or simply sending a strategic warning, according to France 24.

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