Gulf Shield One: Saudi Arabia shows off newly-acquired weapons in military drill

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For now, the airstrikes are simulated. So is the ground assault. This is Gulf Shield One: a Saudi-led military exercise beyond the norm in size and scope. These are not normal times.

Much-criticized western weapons exports are part of the display here. Saudi Arabia's powerful new Crown Prince has been adding to the arsenal.

Spending an estimated $670 million for anti-tank missiles on a recent U.S. trip and signing other defense deals during stops in France and Spain.

On that international PR blitz, Iran came up repeatedly.

ADEL AL-JUBEIR SAUDI FOREIGN MINISTER "There are discussions among European countries and the U.S., with regard to how one can deal with the Iran problem in a comprehensive manner, and those discussions are still underway and the question becomes will they be able to arrive at an effective means of dealing with what I would call the problem of Iran."

The U.S.-led airstrikes on Syria avoided Iranian targets. But Washington hasn't ruled out more: and it's urged Tehran to distance itself from Bashar al Assad.

In the meantime, Riyadh is trying to re-build consensus and capacity for a harder line.

GUY HENDERSON EASTERN SAUDI ARABIA "With regional tensions rising, Saudi Arabia and its allies want to show off their military strength but also their unity. Ahead of a meeting of Arab leaders more often marked by deep divisions."

Divisions that could be costly if the Syrian crisis escalates.