The Political Calculus of Saudi arabia and the Shah

Took a more cautious approach after King Faisal’s assassination in 1975. Maintained dialogue with Iran, but with growing wariness as internal unrest grew in during the late 1970s. Both the Shah and the Saudi leadership were close allies of the United States during the Cold War. Ensuring consistent oil supply to the West. Saudi Arabia both received advanced weaponry from the U.S., though was more heavily armed under the Shah.