International Reaction to Iran and Saudi Arabia Restoring Diplomatic Ties
After seven years of tensions, Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to restore diplomatic ties, which is seen as a significant development in the Middle East. The two regional powers reached this agreement after days of talks hosted by China. The statement issued by China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia has received various reactions from around the world. Here is a roundup of international reactions to this diplomatic rapprochement.
China
China has welcomed the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia, calling it “major good news” in the current turbulent world. Top diplomat Wang Yi has hailed this development as a “victory” for dialogue and peace. China has pledged to continue playing a constructive role in global hot spots and demonstrate its “responsibility” as a leading nation.
United States
The United States has welcomed the news of the resumption of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. A White House National Security Council spokesperson said that they were aware of the reports and generally welcomed any efforts to help end the war in Yemen and de-escalate tensions in the Middle East region. The spokesperson added that de-escalation and diplomacy, together with deterrence, are key pillars of President Joe Biden’s policy outlined during his visit to the region last year.
Iraq
Iraq, which had hosted several rounds of reconciliation talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran since 2021, has welcomed the agreement. The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement saying that “a new page has been opened in diplomatic relations between the two countries.”
United Arab Emirates
Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic adviser to the UAE, has also welcomed the agreement and praised China’s role in reaching it. He wrote on Twitter that “the UAE believes in the importance of positive communication and dialogue among the countries of the region towards consolidating the concepts of good neighborliness and starting from a common ground to build a more stable future for all.”
Yemen’s Houthi rebels
The chief negotiator for Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement, Mohammed Abdulsalam, has said that diplomatic ties between countries in the Middle East are needed. He added that “the region needs the resumption of normal ties between its countries for the Islamic nation to reclaim its lost security as a result of foreign interference.” Yemen has been split by an eight-year war pitting the Houthis against a factious coalition supporting Yemen’s government, led by Saudi Arabia and including southern forces backed by the UAE.
Oman
Oman has welcomed the joint communique on the resumption of diplomatic ties between Riyadh and Tehran. Its Foreign Ministry has issued a statement thanking China, Saudi Arabia, and Iran for their efforts and acknowledging Oman’s role in hosting previous talks.
Lebanon’s Hezbollah
Hassan Nasrallah, the head of Lebanon’s powerful armed group Hezbollah, has called the resumption of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia a “good development.” Hezbollah is backed by Iran and has been involved in conflicts with Saudi Arabia’s allies in Syria and Yemen.
Conclusion
The restoration of diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia after seven years of tensions is a significant development in the Middle East. It has received various reactions from around the world, with many countries welcoming this move towards peace and stability in the region. The role played by China in hosting talks between these two regional powers has also been acknowledged and praised. It remains to be seen how this diplomatic rapprochement will affect the ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Syria, and other parts of the Middle East.