Ahead of a possible US-Saudi defence agreement, it is worth remembering Roosevelt reassured the Saudi king over Palestine, only for Truman to renege on it two years later.

The enormous potential for military cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States

The Saudis have outlined their conditions for a true and binding pact. Such a pact is highly unlikely, not least because of the current US political atmosphere and the issue of US-Saudi mistrust.

After the 7 October attack by Hamas on Israel, Biden now recognises the need to contain Iran and prevent it from causing more unrest in the region

From casual chats to commercial trades and confidential information, the transport and targeting of data under the Red Sea is a major issue. Can the Houthis cripple the world's communications?

The EU naval mission will help provide security for shipping in the Red Sea but will not partake in air strikes on Houthis in Yemen, who vow to stop attacks when Israel ends its war on Gaza

As the future of the US presence in the Middle East is being debated, foreign policy discussions would be incomplete without considering Russia's role in the region. Al Majalla explains.

China's maritime focus at present remains in its vicinity. Its presence in the Middle East is a slow build. It might never become a regional military superpower, but it can't be ruled out entirely.

What would the regional and global implications of a US military withdrawal from the region look like? Our March issue's cover story provides some answers.

The US will not withdraw from all its bases around the Middle East, but the future of its military forces in Iraq and Syria is less certain