The Royal Saudi Naval Forces and their counterparts in the Royal Navy of Oman concluded today (Sunday) the joint bilateral naval exercise “Winds of Peace 2026,” which took place in Omani territorial waters. This exercise culminates a previous phase of joint planning and training and reflects the depth of military cooperation between the two brotherly nations to enhance security and stability in the region.

Strategic context and in-depth partnership

Exercise “Peace Winds 2026” is the latest in a series of ongoing defense cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, two pivotal states in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This partnership is based on a shared vision of the importance of securing vital waterways in the region, such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea, which are crucial arteries for global trade and energy supplies. These exercises are gaining increasing importance in light of the security challenges facing the region, necessitating enhanced combat readiness and operational coordination among the naval forces of the GCC member states to ensure their ability to counter any potential threats, whether from terrorist organizations, piracy, or any attempts to destabilize maritime navigation.

Specific objectives and training to enhance combat efficiency

The exercise focused on achieving a range of strategic objectives, most notably unifying operational concepts and enhancing joint operations between the two navies. During the maneuvers, complex scenarios and drills were conducted, including advanced naval formations, naval helicopter exercises, and realistic counter-terrorism and search and rescue scenarios. The training also encompassed vital aspects such as electronic warfare and countering fast boat attacks, a common threat in the region. To further enhance realism, the exercise included live-fire missile and ammunition drills, allowing participating crews to test their capabilities and weaponry in conditions that simulated real-world operations.

Integrated stages and meticulous planning

This exercise was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather a continuation of the first phase conducted at King Faisal Naval Base in the Western Fleet of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in April 2025. That phase involved intensive training in mission planning and preparation at various command levels, with ship crews from both sides executing scenarios and testing operational plans using advanced simulation systems. This integrated approach, combining theoretical planning with practical execution, ensures maximum benefit from the exercise and accurately measures the effectiveness of joint plans.

Regional and international importance

The success of Exercise Peace Winds 2026 carries a clear message on both the regional and international levels. Regionally, the exercise underscores the unity of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its ability to collectively protect its interests and security. Internationally, it reassures international partners and the global community that key regional powers are committed to and capable of ensuring freedom of navigation in one of the world's most vital waterways, thus contributing to the stability of global energy markets and supply chains. This cooperation further strengthens the two countries' position as active players in the global maritime security system.

Former US President Donald Trump, in a statement reflecting his dual strategy toward Tehran, confirmed that his administration did not share any specific military plans with US allies in the region regarding potential strikes against Iran. This statement, made at the height of tensions between the two countries, added a layer of ambiguity to Washington's true intentions and represents part of his administration's "maximum pressure" policy.

Trump added that “Tehran is talking to Washington,” hinting at the existence of communication channels and leaving the door open for diplomacy by saying, “We’ll see if we can do something, and if not, we’ll see what happens.” He reiterated that a “large American fleet” is heading to the region, a military message intended to deter Iran and demonstrate strength, without specifying the nature of the fleet’s mission or the likelihood of a military attack.

Background to the tension: Withdrawal from the nuclear agreement

The roots of this crisis lie in President Trump's decision in May 2018 to unilaterally withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, which was signed in 2015 between Iran and world powers. Following the withdrawal, Washington reimposed harsh economic sanctions on Tehran with the aim of crippling its economy and forcing it back to the negotiating table to reach a new, more comprehensive agreement that addresses its missile program and regional influence.

The importance of the event and its regional and international impact

Trump's statements carried significant weight on several levels. Domestically, they were intended to project an image of him as a strong leader who would not hesitate to use force but who preferred diplomacy. Regionally, this policy alarmed Washington's traditional allies in the Gulf, who are on the front line with Iran, as the lack of transparency regarding specific plans left them uncertain. Internationally, this policy strained relations with European allies (Britain, France, and Germany) who had worked hard to preserve the nuclear agreement as a means of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

For its part, the Iranian leadership, represented by then-President Hassan Rouhani, maintained that war would not benefit any party in the Middle East, emphasizing that Tehran would not negotiate under pressure or threats. These divergent positions reflected a dangerous state of tension, with the region teetering on the brink of military confrontation on several occasions, amidst intensive diplomatic efforts by international and regional actors to defuse the crisis and prevent a slide into a wider conflict.