Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic ties

By Nathan Morley

After years of diplomatic silence, Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to restore diplomatic relations.

Considering previous attempts at reconciliation have been unsuccessful, news of this sudden détente has caught some observers by surprise.

Years of strained relations

Iran and Saudi Arabia have endured nearly a decade of frosty relations. In 2016, ties were finally severed after demonstrators stormed Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Tehran following Riyadh's execution of a well-known Shia Muslim cleric.

Both countries view each other as a hostile power seeking regional dominance. To make matters worse, they support rival sides across the region, including in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq - and in Yemen, where a brutal civil war continues to rage.

Saudi Arabia has led a powerful air campaign against the Houthis in Yemen for nearly a decade. 

Now, seven years on, both countries are seeking to fix relations by reopening embassies and re-establishing trade and security relations. The deal has largely been brokered by China and the Iranians described the process as direct, transparent, comprehensive, and constructive.

International reaction

Responding to the news, Washington said it supported any effort to de-escalate tensions in the region but remained sceptical if Iran could meet its obligations.

“De-escalation and diplomacy together with deterrence are key pillars of the policy President [Joe] Biden outlined during his visit to the region last year,” a US government spokesperson said.

At the same time, UN chief Antonio Guterres said he was ready to help efforts to ensure durable peace and security in the Gulf region.