Peace Prevails: Saudi Arabia and Iran Set Aside Decades of Hostility, Pave Way for Cooperation and Stability Across Middle East in 2023.

Peace Prevails: Saudi Arabia and Iran Set Aside Decades of Hostility, Pave Way for Cooperation and Stability Across Middle East in 2023.

In a historic move, Saudi Arabia and Iran have announced the restoration of diplomatic relations after years of political and ideological differences. The decision marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the Middle East, a region that has long been characterised by tensions and conflicts between these two powerful nations. 

The relationship between the two countries had been strained since the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, and the subsequent rivalry between Sunni-led Saudi Arabia and Shiite-led Iranhad fueled proxy wars and sectarian violence in several parts of the region.

The announcement of the rapprochement has been hailed by global leaders and is expected to have far-reaching implications for the region and beyond. With the restoration of diplomatic ties, the two nations are poised to cooperate and collaborate on issues of mutual concern, including economic development, security, and regional stability. 

The deal could also have a significant impact on the ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq, where Saudi Arabia and Iran support opposing sides.

As the world watches this historic development unfold, there is a sense of cautious optimism that this breakthrough could pave the way for a more peaceful and stable Middle East.

Rivalry trail between Saudi Arabia & Iran.

Various factors, including political, economic, and religious differences have fueled the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Iran’s Islamic Revolution in 1979 marked a turning point in the relationship between the two nations. 

The revolution established an Islamic Republic in Iran that sought to challenge the influence of Saudi Arabia, which was seen as the leader of Sunni Islam. Iran’s support for various militant groups in the region has also been a source of concern for Saudi Arabia.

One of the main issues between Saudi Arabia and Iran has been their support for opposing sides in various conflicts in the Middle East. In Yemen, for example, Saudi Arabia has been leading a coalition of Arab states in a military campaign against the Houthi rebels, who Iran backs. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis in the country, with millions of people facing famine and displacement.

In Syria, Iran has supported the government of Bashar al-Assad, while Saudi Arabia has backed the opposition forces. The conflict has dragged on for over a decade, with no end in sight. The involvement of outside powers, including Russia and the United States, has further complicated the situation.

Another factor contributing to the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran has been the sectarian divide between the two nations. Saudi Arabia is predominantly Sunni, while Iran is majority Shiite. This has led to sectarian violence in several parts of the region, with each country accusing the other of trying to export its brand of Islam.

Despite these differences, the recent decision to restore diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran has raised hopes for a new era of cooperation and stability in the Middle East. 

The two nations have agreed to hold talks on various issues of mutual concern, including economic development, security, and regional stability. This is a positive step towards resolving the conflicts in the region and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Top 10 Countries that are about to face major impact due to this deal.

The re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran is expected to have significant implications for countries in the Middle East and beyond.

Here are some of the countries that could be affected by the deal – 

1. Yemen: The ongoing conflict in Yemen has been fueled by the Saudi-Iranian rivalry. The restoration of diplomatic ties could lead to a de-escalation of the conflict, paving the way for a political solution and bringing much-needed relief to the Yemeni people. Additionally, Iran may be more willing to engage in negotiations to end the conflict, given that it will no longer be seen as a direct threat by Saudi Arabia.

2. Syria: The Syrian conflict has been characterised by the involvement of regional and global powers, with Saudi Arabia and Iran supporting opposing sides. The restoration of diplomatic ties could lead to a reduction in tensions, easing the conflict and possibly leading to a political solution. However, given the complexity of the conflict and the involvement of other powers such as Russia and the United States, the impact of the Saudi-Iranian reconciliation may be limited.

3. Iraq: Iraq has been a battleground for the Saudi-Iranian rivalry, with the two nations vying for influence in the country. The restoration of diplomatic ties could lead to increased stability in Iraq, as the two nations work towards common goals. However, there are also concerns that increased cooperation between the two nations could lead to further sectarian tensions in Iraq.

4. Lebanon: Lebanon has also been a battleground for the Saudi-Iranian rivalry, with both nations supporting opposing political factions. The restoration of diplomatic ties could lead to increased stability in Lebanon, as the two nations work towards a common goal of maintaining stability in the country. However, there are also concerns that increased cooperation between the two nations could lead to further sectarian tensions in Lebanon.

5. Bahrain: Bahrain has been a flashpoint for sectarian tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with Saudi Arabia accusing Iran of supporting Shiite opposition groups in the country. The restoration of diplomatic ties could lead to a reduction in tensions and increased stability in Bahrain. However, given the longstanding tensions between the two nations, the impact of the reconciliation may be limited.

6. Qatar: Qatar has had strained relations with Saudi Arabia and the UAE in recent years, with the two nations leading a blockade against Qatar. The restoration of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran could lead to improved relations between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, but it is unclear how this will impact the UAE’s stance towards Qatar.

7. United Arab Emirates: The UAE has been a key ally of Saudi Arabia in its regional policies, including its stance towards Iran. The restoration of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran could lead to tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as the UAE may view the reconciliation as a threat to its own interests.

8. Oman: Oman has traditionally maintained good relations with both Saudi Arabia and Iran and has played a mediating role in their regional disputes. The restoration of diplomatic ties could lead to increased stability in the region and a more active role for Oman in regional diplomacy.

9. Kuwait: Kuwait has also traditionally maintained good relations with both Saudi Arabia and Iran and has sought to mediate in their disputes. The restoration of diplomatic ties could lead to increased stability in the region and a more active role for Kuwait in regional diplomacy.

10. Israel: Israel has been a key ally of Saudi Arabia in recent years, with both nations sharing a common enemy in Iran. The impact of the reconciliation on Israel is unclear, but it is possible that it could lead to a shift in regional alliances and a more complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.

Impact on India with this diplomatic alliance. 

The re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran could have several implications for India’s foreign policy and economic interests in the region.

Firstly, India has close ties with both Saudi Arabia and Iran and has maintained a delicate balance in its relations with the two nations. The restoration of diplomatic ties could lead to increased stability in the region and a reduction in tensions, which would be beneficial for India’s geopolitical interests.

Secondly, India is heavily dependent on oil imports from the Gulf region, and any disruption in the region’s oil supply could have serious economic consequences for India. The restoration of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran could lead to increased oil production and stability in the region, which would benefit India’s energy security.

Thirdly, India has been involved in several regional initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, such as the Chabahar Port project in Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) initiative. The restoration of diplomatic ties could lead to increased cooperation between regional powers, which would be beneficial for India’s regional diplomacy efforts.

Overall, the restoration of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran could have positive implications for India’s foreign policy and economic interests in the region. However, given the complex and often volatile nature of the Middle East, it is important for India to remain engaged and vigilant in its regional diplomacy efforts.

Is China taking up the as the new Superpower beating the US?

The recent involvement of China in facilitating negotiations between Saudi Arabia and Iran has not gone unnoticed. The move has added to China’s growing diplomatic prestige and global influence while sending a message about the diminishing presence of the United States on the world stage. 

With a significant economic stake in both nations, China was in a prime position to facilitate the talks, and its involvement has emphasised the shifting dynamics of power and influence in the Middle East and beyond.

The agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran excluded the United States, which highlights the Saudi’s desire to diversify their security partnerships and not rely entirely on the US. 

This move could have significant implications for US security strategies in the region. Although the Biden administration has expressed the importance of regional security dialogues, it was unable to broker the agreement due to its lack of direct contact with Iran.

Overall, China’s involvement in the negotiations has reinforced the narrative of its growing global power and influence. It also emphasises the need for the US to reconsider its regional security strategies and engage more actively with its allies and partners in the region.

The USA is losing its world dominance. 

While the United States remains a preeminent military power, recent developments in the Middle East and beyond suggest that its global dominance may be waning. The recent agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, brokered by China, highlights the shifting balance of power in the region, as well as the growing role of other nations in shaping global affairs.

One key factor in the US’s declining influence is the country’s relative decline in economic power, as other nations such as China and India have grown in importance. This has been compounded by the US’s withdrawal from international agreements such as the Paris climate accord and the Iran nuclear deal, which have diminished its standing on the global stage.

In addition, the US’s foreign policy has faced criticism in recent years, with some arguing that its interventions in other countries have done more harm than good. This has contributed to a perception of US decline in some parts of the world, with other nations such as China and Russia stepping in to fill the power vacuum.

Overall, while the US remains a major global power, recent events suggest that its dominance is not guaranteed and that other nations are increasingly shaping the course of global affairs.

edited and proofread by nikita sharma