Saudi Journalist Says Iran Used Oct. 7 to Block Israel Normalization

Saudi journalist Abdulaziz al-Khamis has stated that the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks served as a deliberate message from Iran to Saudi Arabia. In an interview with i24NEWS, al-Khamis argued that Tehran sought to pressure Riyadh against advancing normalization with Israel under the Abraham Accords framework. He claimed that Iran succeeded in its objective, as the ensuing war disrupted the diplomatic momentum that had been building with U.S. support. The comments offer a pointed assessment of how Iranian proxy actions have shaped regional diplomacy.

According to al-Khamis, the timing and scale of the October 7 assault were intended to create a strategic obstacle for Gulf states considering closer ties with Israel. The subsequent conflict shifted priorities across the region and stalled progress toward a potential Saudi-Israeli agreement. His analysis reflects a broader view that Iran has consistently used its network of proxies to influence the foreign policy decisions of neighboring countries. The disruption to normalization efforts is presented as a calculated outcome rather than a side effect of the war.

The remarks underscore the ongoing struggle between forces seeking regional stability through diplomacy and those working to prevent it. For supporters of the Abraham Accords, the journalist’s assessment serves as a reminder of the external pressures that have complicated peace efforts. Iran’s ability to affect the trajectory of Saudi-Israeli relations through proxy violence remains a central concern for those advocating expanded normalization. As regional tensions continue, the long-term impact of these events on Gulf diplomacy is still unfolding.