The cessation of hostility between the two most significant Muslim countries, Saudi Arabia and Iran, and the decision to restore diplomatic relations is surely a very good step for the whole international community, including the war-torn Muslim countries of Yemen and Syria. The prospects for long-term peace in the Middle East have improved. The Chinese leadership played a critical part in this optimistic development for world peace, for which it deserves credit.
Iran and Saudi Arabia have had tense diplomatic ties for decades, owing to a lengthy history of political and ideological disputes. These differences have often manifested themselves in proxy wars and conflicts across the Middle East, particularly in countries such as Syria, Yemen, and Iraq.
At the core of this tension is the deep-seated sectarian divide between the two countries. Iran is a predominantly Shia Muslim country, while Saudi Arabia is predominantly Sunni Muslim. This divide has led to a rivalry for regional power and influence, with each country seeking to spread its version of Islam and political ideology.
The relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia has been further complicated by their differing approaches to regional conflicts. Iran has long supported Shia movements and governments throughout the Middle East, while Saudi Arabia has tended to support Sunni groups and governments. This has led to the two countries supporting opposing sides in several conflicts, including the civil wars in Syria and Yemen.
Despite the tensions, there have been some attempts to improve relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. In 2015, the two countries signed a preliminary agreement to try to resolve their differences, but the agreement was never fully implemented. In 2021, there were reports of secret talks between the two countries, but these talks have not yet resulted in any significant breakthroughs.
It was expected that the two countries will continue to be rivals in the region for the foreseeable future, but thanks to Chinese diplomacy, the unavoidable was made possible.
According to a joint statement issued by the KSA, Iran, and China in Beijing, Tehran and Riyadh have agreed to finish the process of restoring diplomatic ties within a month, and both nations’ embassies and diplomatic posts will begin operations.
The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council visited China following the recent visit of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi to begin comprehensive conversations with the Saudi delegation to settle the difficulties. In the following days, discussions between the secretary of the Iranian National Security Council and the Saudi National Security Advisor reached an agreement to re-establish relations, which was subsequently presented to Iran, Saudi Arabia, and China in a ceremony.
In their joint statement, the three countries emphasized that every measure should be taken to further strengthen regional and international peace and security. It should be noted that there has been severe tension in the relations between the two countries since 2019, when Saudi Arabia accused Iran of a drone attack on a Saudi oil depot, but Iran denied this accusation.
It is anticipated that the restoration of Saudi-Iranian relations would lead to the conclusion of the continuing conflict and instability in Yemen and Syria, as Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdullah correctly stated in his remark that this deal is a sign of positive prospects in the Middle East. The United States’ “satisfaction” with the Saudi-Iran accord is likewise a positive development. According to a White House National Security spokeswoman, the US is aware of the accord’s specifics, and any agreement aimed at ending the conflict in Yemen and reducing tensions in the Middle East is a positive move.
The Pakistan Foreign Office has also congratulated the three nations’ leaders, particularly China, for their vision and dedication in reaching this agreement, and expressed hope that this major diplomatic breakthrough will contribute to regional and global peace and stability. To a sure, violence and bloodshed are not the solution to any problem; the only way to resolve disagreements justly is via the process of understanding done in good faith.
The agreement, however, may not be welcomed by the United States and its key partner in the area, Israel. According to reports, the Biden administration is engaging in back-channel negotiations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Both US President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are attempting to negotiate an agreement with the Saudis as an apparent counter to Iran as it ramps up its nuclear programme and continues to provide military assistance to Russia during its conflict with Ukraine. After Netanyahu won Israel’s November election, he aggressively pushed for official connections with Saudi Arabia to capitalise on the success of the so-called Abraham Accords, which were reached two years ago with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain under his previous government. The reopening of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, according to former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, is a severe and dangerous event for Israel and a big diplomatic triumph for Tehran.
The adversaries who may attempt to sabotage the pact must be known to Saudi Arabia and Iran.
