A Bit Of Context
With the 1979 Iranian Revolution that saw the deposition of the modernist but corrupt Shah of Iran, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, and the establishment of a Shiite Islamic theocratic rule under Ruhollah Khomeini, Saudi Arabia, a Sunni Islamic theocratic monarchy, had wished for an “Islamic Solidarity” that could help make ties between the two nations a lot closer.
However, at the time, Tehran had other intentions as they sought to be the dominant force in the Middle East instead of the Saudis. This in turn would cause decades of hostile relationships, and an overall Middle Eastern Cold War would begin.
“Even if it were possible to forgive Saddam Hussein, it would never be possible to forgive Saudi Arabia. […] these vile and ungodly Wahhabis, are like daggers which have always pierced the heart of the Muslims from the back […] Mecca is in the hands of a band of heretics.” - Ruhollah Khomeini,Ex-Supreme Leader of Iran
What Happened?
Although there were beforehand talks between the two nations to normalize relations, it was reported that there was minimal success in resolving tensions between the two countries.
That is until the 10th of March 2023 after secret talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia held in Beijing, the two nations finally came to a deal.
The deal included but was not limited to:
· Accelerating a ceasefire in Yemen and the formation of an “inclusive government”
· Respecting one another’s sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs
· Resuming diplomatic relations
International Reactions:
United States of America
The US, given that the peace deal was brokered by China, viewed it as a challenge as China had now replaced the role as a dominant force in the Middle East
Russian Federation
Russia heavily supports the peace deal, seeing it as a bulwark against the United States’ Middle Eastern approach.
Israel
Israel has viewed this as a setback to its relations with its Arab neighbors and its intention to create a middle eastern NATO.
Many Arab states have welcomed the peace deal, in hopes that the region will finally cease hostilities towards one another.
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