Relations between Tehran and Riyadh have been severed since 2016 following the execution of Saudi Shiite cleric Sheikh al-Nimr and what happened in front of the Riyadh embassy in Tehran, but conditions for direct talks and the possibility of normalization between Saudi Arabia and Iran appear to have been improved. Although there are significant difficulties in the way, and there are serious differences between the two countries on some regional and bilateral issues, positive signs have emerged recently.(Photo quoted from Yahoo’s website)
On the one hand, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia recently stated that his country wants good relations with Iran. On the other hand, the welcome of some Iranian officials for holding talks between the two countries indicates new steps in providing the conditions for dialogue and the possibility of normalizing Iran-Saudi Arabia relations in the Middle East.
In fact, changing regional and international elements, the parties' understanding of the need to resolve tensions, reduce the level of regional competition, and address crises and encourage diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts in the region, will lead Riyadh and Tehran to negotiations.
In addition, global and regional priorities have changed significantly. At the macro level, with growing tensions between the United States and China (seen by many as a symbol of the decline of the existing international order and the transition to the new order), the US macro-strategy is to reduce or withdraw its forces from the Persian Gulf and focus on China. It has become more obvious.
The importance of dialogue as a missing link in Iran-Saudi relations will also lead the two countries to focus more on dialogue between the two sides to begin an immediate end to regional crises, instead of their previous approach, which was relations based on limited tension. Although this complex and challenging process may be associated with the negative effectiveness of disturbing variables and intervention, it is necessary and requires a realistic understanding between the parties.
On the other hand, Iraq in recent years, by trying to mediate between the two countries of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia, has sought to advance its national interests and wants the two sides' dialogue to have a positive reflection on the internal situation in this country. Baghdad intends to increase its diplomatic weight in the region and actually help stabilize Iraq by reducing tensions between Tehran and Riyadh.
What is clear is that negotiation is at the highest level in international relations, and the most logical and desirable way in which the parties can reach a positive outcome is through dialogue and then turning dialogue into a negotiating framework.
At the same time, the reduction of tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia coincides with the talks on reviving Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which could be a very important change in the stalemate in Tehran-Riyadh relations over the past decade. Continuation of this trend in the Middle East region can lead to an important change in the patterns of friendship and enmity and drawing the lines of a new regional order. Although it is too early to predict the manner and type of possible talks between Tehran and Riyadh and its impact on reducing bilateral and regional tensions, it is certain that a step-by-step start of diplomacy between the two sides could play an important role in easing bilateral tensions, normalizing relations and reducing regional disparities.
It is also unlikely that successful diplomatic engagement between Iran and Saudi Arabia will lead to the resolution of all major regional conflicts at once. But it can also be effective in reducing tensions and the possibility of normalizing relationships.
Farzad Ramezani Bonesh
Senior Researcher and Analyst of International Affairs
