Saudi-Iran bonhomie

Published August 21, 2023

FROM regularly exchanging invective and clashing over geopolitical points of contention, the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran has warmed remarkably within the span of a few months. The newfound bonhomie was on display during Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian’s recent visit to the kingdom. Tehran’s top diplomat exchanged notes with his Saudi counterpart, and later met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the actual power behind the Saudi throne. The Iranian FM described his interaction as “productive” while Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal Bin Farhan hoped to deepen the relationship “based on our Islamic brotherhood”. The meeting between Mr Amir-Abdollahian and the prince was particularly cordial. Only a few months ago, such exchanges would have been unthinkable, as both sides accused the other of destabilising the region. However, thanks to a landmark diplomatic initiative piloted by China — and quietly supported by Iraq and Oman — Riyadh and Tehran are now building positive ties based on mutual respect and regional integration.

As it has been stated before in these columns, Saudi-Iranian rapprochement will have a calming effect across the Muslim world, especially where sectarian tensions have been high, such as in Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain and Pakistan. Moreover, the brutal war in Yemen, where both sides support opposing parties, can also be wound down; already levels of violence have come down since the Saudis and Iranians started talking. Both capitals should work to resolve territorial issues in the region through local mechanisms. For example, Iran has a long-running spat over a few Gulf islands with the UAE, and is also embroiled in a dispute with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait over a gas field in the same region. These differences need to be resolved amicably to help strengthen the peace process. Riyadh has extended an invitation to the Iranian president to visit the kingdom; such a trip by Ebrahim Raisi would further strengthen ties. While it is true that over four decades of mutual hostility will not disappear overnight, things appear to be moving in the right direction. But both sides need to be wary of spoilers, as the US will not be pleased that the Saudis are negotiating independently with their arch-foe, while Israel, which has invested much in the so-called Abraham Accords to win over the Arabs, may resort to its expertise in sabotage to sink the fledgling peace process.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2023

Opinion

Editorial

Short-changed?
Updated 24 Nov, 2024

Short-changed?

As nations continue to argue, the international community must recognise that climate finance is not merely about numbers.
Overblown ‘threat’
24 Nov, 2024

Overblown ‘threat’

ON the eve of the PTI’s ‘do or die’ protest in the federal capital, there seemed to be little evidence of the...
Exclusive politics
24 Nov, 2024

Exclusive politics

THERE has been a gradual erasure of the voices of most marginalised groups from Pakistan’s mainstream political...
Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

To drag a critical ally like Saudi Arabia into unfounded conspiracies is detrimental to Pakistan’s foreign policy.