New era of regional stability
Javad Mohammad Ali
Staff writer
In a landmark announcement that has reverberated throughout the Middle East and beyond, Iran and Saudi Arabia restored their diplomatic and official relations, bringing an end to a long period of tension. The historic agreement has the potential to instill tranquility in the region and constrain the behavior of other actors who have long exploited the inter-state tension to their advantage.
For the Iranian government, the rekindling of diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia is the culmination of a regional strategy that prioritized the establishment of an equilibrated foreign policy and the augmentation of relationships with nations across the globe. By focusing on the neighborhood policy and resolving disputes with its neighbors, the Iranian government was able to re-establish relationships that had been dormant for seven years.
The ramifications of this accord are of paramount significance, mainly in the domains of security and commerce, but also tourism and critical issues of shared investment.
With their capital and geopolitical sway, Iran and Saudi Arabia have the potential to wield considerable influence over a major portion of the regional states. As such, the re-establishment of their relations not only benefits the entire region, but also presents the Islamic Republic with the opportunity to expand and deepen its connections with nearly fifty Arab nations, paving the way for prosperity, development, peace, and stability.
Both Iran and Saudi Arabia are prominent actors within OPEC and OPEC+, wielding substantial influence over the international energy supply, in general, and oil prices, production, and exports, in particular. Their April 6 agreement has already yielded positive outcomes. There has been a surge in oil prices and a cut in OPEC production, along with efforts aimed at reintegrating Syria into the fold of Arab nations. So, the accord has potential ramifications that go beyond Tehran and Riyadh and could entice other Arab countries such as Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain to improve their ties with Iran.
The schism between Iran and Saudi Arabia had created an opening for Israel to exploit the inter-state tension to its advantage. This allowed Israel to consolidate its influence in the region, as evinced by striking various normalization deals with several Arab nations. However, a rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia would severely constrain the scope of these machinations.
This historic agreement also marks a shift away from the previous era where foreign relations of countries were often determined by a third power at the opposite end of the world. Some experts believe that this signifies the beginning of a post-American epoch.
The new regional order sees a departure from the ideology of coercion and hegemony that has been the cornerstone of American foreign policy. The countries in the region have recognized that the principle of equitable collaboration is the best way to achieve regional stability.
Moreover, the agreement signifies an Eastern alliance that embodies a new world order where the role of Eastern countries in global affairs is elevated. This new world order can thwart the West’s predisposition towards taking command and reestablishing colonialism in disregard of the interests of other countries.
While the restoration of diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia is undoubtedly a major development, it is important to note that there are still challenges to overcome. The United States and Israel are likely to view this agreement as a threat and may take steps to undermine it. The US military-industrial complex has heavily invested in the region, making the restoration of amicable relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia a tangible threat to its interests. It is therefore incumbent upon Iran and Saudi Arabia, along with other nations in the region, to remain vigilant, maintain this amity, and preemptively forestall any hostile actions.
Ultimately, the agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia represents a step towards a more stable and cooperative regional order, one that prioritizes the interests of nations in the region over those of external powers. By working together, nations in the region can overcome longstanding conflicts and address shared challenges, eventually paving the way for a more prosperous and peaceful future.
The fact that these two nations, with their long and complex histories, have been able to put their differences aside and come together is a testament to the power of diplomacy and the potential for peaceful coexistence. It remains to be seen what the future holds for this newly restored relationship, but the possibilities for progress and prosperity are tantalizing.