What Happened
Riyadh Expands Regional Influence Amid Geopolitical Shifts
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has signed its first defense agreement with Syria since the fall of Bashar Assad, marking a significant step in the growing ties between the two countries. The agreement, which aims to strengthen the Syrian army’s capabilities, was inked during Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s visit to Riyadh. Experts believe the move is evidence of a geopolitical reversal in the region, with Al-Sharaa moving closer to Riyadh after years of Syrian allegiance to Saudi rival Iran under Assad. The agreement was first reported by Breaking Defense.