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U.S. Credibility Returns to the Middle East

(Wall Street Journal) Karen Elliott House - President Trump's dramatic weekend strike may or may not have obliterated Iran's nuclear potential, but it has restored U.S. deterrence and credibility. While Israel obviously is the big winner from the war it launched against Iran just over a week ago, Saudi Arabia stands to emerge as the other major regional beneficiary. Gone is Iran's "Axis of Resistance," which encircled the region and tormented Saudi Arabia. Both Israel and Saudi Arabia were earmarked for elimination. Iran coveted not only Saudi Arabia's oil but, more important, its guardianship of Islam's two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina. Hoping to ward off any Iranian retaliation against the kingdom now, the Saudi foreign minister tweeted the country's "great concern" for the "sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran." But make no mistake: Riyadh is thrilled. With a single blow, Mr. Trump restored America's reputation in the region. At the same time, Russia and China, Iran's supposed loyal allies, look impotent watching their partner being mauled. Equally important for the Saudis, the humiliation of Khamenei, the great leader of Shiism, explodes the myth that God is on the side of Islamists. The writer is former managing editor and publisher of the Wall Street Journal.
2025-06-25 00:00:00
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