Saudi Arabia-Iran rapprochement: A new dawn for West Asia's future?

UPDATED: Nov 12, 2024 17:52 IST

At a recent Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as "genocide," urging the international community to intervene to prevent further hostilities, including any potential escalation against Iran. This condemnation echoed earlier statements from Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, reiterating Saudi Arabia’s stance that normalisation of relations with Israel depends on the establishment of a Palestinian state. The Prince’s remarks came as the United States paused its efforts to broker Saudi-Israeli normalisation following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent Israeli strikes in Gaza.

A Categorical Rejection of Genocide

In a notable public address, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s long-standing support for Palestinian rights, underscoring the detrimental impact of recent hostilities on peace efforts in the region. “The Kingdom renews its call for and categorical rejection of the genocide committed by Israel against the brotherly Palestinian people, which has claimed the lives of more than 150,000 martyrs, wounded, and missing, most of whom are women and children,” he stated. He also criticised Israeli actions, including violations of Al-Aqsa Mosque’s sanctity and efforts to undermine the Palestinian Authority’s influence, as major obstacles to regional peace.

Bolstering Relations with Iran

Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia has taken notable strides to improve its diplomatic and defence relationship with Iran. In a recent call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Crown Prince Mohammed discussed the violence in Palestinian territories and Saudi Arabia’s role in addressing it through the Arab-Islamic summit. Iranian President Pezeshkian expressed his support for Saudi Arabia’s leadership in hosting the summit.

In an unprecedented move for Saudi-Iran relations, Saudi Chief of Staff Fayyad Al-Ruwaili also visited Tehran for defence talks with his Iranian counterpart, Major General Mohammad Bagheri. The two leaders discussed ways to bolster defence diplomacy and cooperation between their countries, marking a historic step toward Saudi-Iranian military collaboration.

Building on this cooperation, Saudi Arabia and Iran recently conducted joint naval exercises in the Sea of Oman. Saudi Defence Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki confirmed the drills, with Iran's Navy Commander Admiral Shahram Irani hinting at additional exercises planned in the Red Sea. Iran’s participation in the "IMEX 2024" drill in the northern Indian Ocean alongside Saudi Arabia, Russia, Oman, and other observer states further underscores the growing defence cooperation in the region.

A Pivot in West Asian Diplomacy

Saudi Arabia’s rapprochement with Iran has marked a diplomatic shift in West Asia, with significant implications for regional stability and collective self-reliance. Since the two nations restored diplomatic ties in March 2023 through Chinese mediation, Saudi Arabia has shown increased involvement in resolving regional conflicts, including those in Yemen, Syria, and now Gaza. This newfound alliance between Saudi Arabia and Iran could serve as a buffer against external pressures, fostering a collaborative approach to stability in West Asia.

This pivot is emblematic of a changing landscape in regional alliances, as both countries have taken steps to enhance conflict resolution within the Middle East. By improving bilateral relations, Saudi Arabia and Iran have set the stage for reducing proxy conflicts in hotspots where they previously supported opposing factions, notably Yemen and Syria. This strategic thaw could potentially limit sectarian divides and foster unity within regional organisations like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), enhancing collective responses to pressing issues such as security, energy, and the Palestinian cause.

Economic Prospects and a Diplomatic Balance

The Saudi-Iran rapprochement is likely to foster economic cooperation, with both countries aiming to attract investment and boost trade as they work to diversify their economies. The possibility of regional economic partnerships could also lead to a more interconnected, diplomatically balanced West Asia, as a unified regional approach begins to overshadow past rivalries. Furthermore, the recent escalation between Israel and Gaza highlights the urgency of this alignment, signalling to other West Asian nations the benefits of collaboration over confrontation.

As Saudi Arabia and Iran continue to redefine their roles within West Asia, their growing defence and diplomatic cooperation provides a potential model for a more peaceful and cooperative region. The current trajectory suggests a future where regional players prioritise self-reliance and mutual support, offering hope for long-term stability and unity in one of the world’s most geopolitically complex regions.