China Plays Peacemaker: Iran and Saudi Arabia Restore Diplomatic Relations
In a surprising turn of events, Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to restore diplomatic relations after talks brokered by China. The two regional rivals have been entrenched on opposite sides of various issues and proxy wars, particularly in Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon. The announcement of the successful outcome was made in Beijing, with the United States not involved in the deal.
The implications of this agreement are significant, both in the region and beyond. To discuss this development, Adrian Finighan hosts a panel of experts, including Foad Izadi, an associate professor at the University of Tehran; Hillary Mann Leverett, CEO at political risk consultancy Stratega in McLean, Virginia; and Ibrahim Fraihat, a conflict resolution specialist, associate professor at Doha Institute, and author of Iran and Saudi Arabia: Taming a Chaotic Conflict.
The panel begins by discussing the significance of China’s role in brokering this agreement. Fraihat notes that China has been playing a more active role in the Middle East in recent years, particularly in terms of economic engagement. This move towards diplomacy is another example of China’s growing influence in the region.
The panel then turns to the reasons behind this sudden shift towards diplomacy between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Izadi argues that both countries have come to realize that their ongoing conflict is not sustainable. The war in Yemen has been particularly costly for both sides, and there is a growing recognition that a political solution is needed. Leverett adds that the Biden administration’s shift towards diplomacy may have also played a role in encouraging this move towards reconciliation.
The discussion then turns to the potential implications of this agreement. Fraihat notes that this could have a positive impact on other conflicts in the region, particularly in Yemen and Syria. If Iran and Saudi Arabia can work together to find a political solution to these conflicts, it could help to de-escalate tensions and reduce violence.
However, the panel also acknowledges that there are significant challenges ahead. Izadi notes that there are still deep-seated ideological differences between Iran and Saudi Arabia that will not be easily resolved. Leverett adds that there are also powerful actors within both countries who may resist this move towards reconciliation.
Despite these challenges, the panel remains cautiously optimistic about the potential for this agreement to bring about positive change in the region. As Fraihat notes, “the fact that they’re talking is already a positive development.” If Iran and Saudi Arabia can continue to engage in dialogue and work towards finding common ground, it could be a significant step towards reducing tensions and promoting stability in the Middle East.