What is the secret behind restoring relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran? Is it the increasing Chinese role in the region, especially in light of the geopolitical and economic challenges, or because of the Ukrainian war, or is the reason the kingdom's demands fulfilled and the emphasis on respect for the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs? Is the strategic importance of the Middle East region and its strategic sea lanes to the global economy, the desire to maintain security and stability in it, and the desire to stop the escalation of destabilizing activities in the region behind the restoration of relations between the two neighboring countries?
In fact, there are several reasons and causes for the return of relations; The first of these reasons is due to the wise Saudi policy, which was not provoked by attacks by Iran's proxies in the region, despite the efforts of some global powers to lure the region into alliances that are in their interest. Where Washington was keen to make Israel the alternative force that secures the region and its stability, which is in the interest of Israel and its arms sales and facilitates penetration of the Gulf security system. That is why former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett considered the resumption of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran a "political victory" for Tehran, and a "fatal blow" to efforts to build a regional alliance against the Islamic Republic.
Saudi Arabia did not drift or rush to this path that was carefully drawn by the West with the aim of shuffling the cards in light of the blurring of the scene. As Saudi Arabia adhered to the principles of good neighborliness and the principle of diplomatic dialogue to resolve differences, which prevented the players from achieving their goals. The Saudi National Security Adviser Musaed Al-Aiban stated: Saudi Arabia adheres to the principles of good neighborliness, and the principle of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve differences. Prince Faisal bin Farhan tweeted on his Twitter account: "The resumption of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and Iran stems from the Kingdom's vision based on favoring political solutions and dialogue, and its keenness to perpetuate that in the region."
The war on Ukraine is beginning to form a new world that takes the world out of unipolarity and one into a multipolar world, which enables the Middle East region to play its important role in global and economic policies for the benefit of the countries of the region.
The return of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran constituted fear and panic for Israel and clients in the region such as Hassan Nasrallah, who said: Saudi Arabia is a power leading the region and we were surprised by the agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia in China, but we are absolutely confident that this agreement will not be at our expense. “As the New York Times reported: The repercussions of China’s mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran make the United States so deeply involved in the conflicts of our regional partners that our ability to maneuver evaporates and our former role as peacemaker is completely relinquished to China.”
The secret of the return of relations is due to several reasons, none of which can be overlooked. However, one of the most important reasons for the resumption of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and Iran, as confirmed by Saudi Arabia, stems from the Kingdom's vision based on preferring political solutions and dialogue, and its keenness to devote this in the region. Which emphasizes the one destiny of the countries of the region, and their common denominators, and that they work together to build a model of prosperity and stability for the peoples of the region to enjoy.
Osama Yamani
