Iran’s top diplomat, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, emphasized unity and dialogue during his visit to Saudi Arabia on Thursday. This was his first visit since the two Middle Eastern countries announced a surprising reconciliation in March. Amir-Abdollahian also reiterated Iran’s support for the Palestinian cause, particularly at a time when Saudi Arabia is in discussions with the United States regarding potentially normalizing relations with Israel. The Iranian Foreign Minister highlighted the positive progress in the bilateral ties between Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia and Shiite-majority Iran, including economic and security cooperation. However, no new agreements were announced during the visit.
The meeting held at the Saudi foreign ministry’s Islamic Solidarity Hall is seen as a prelude to a future meeting between the heads of the two nations. Amir-Abdollahian expressed his certainty that these meetings and cooperation would contribute to the unity of the Islamic world. During a press conference with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the foreign ministers did not take questions from reporters.
Iran and Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic ties in 2016 after Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran were attacked during protests over the execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr by Riyadh. However, in March, a deal facilitated by China led to the restoration of diplomatic relations and the reopening of embassies. Iran reopened its embassy in Riyadh in June, while the Saudi embassy in Tehran’s operations have yet to be confirmed.
The recent visits and embassy openings are considered essential confidence-building measures, according to Anna Jacobs, a senior Gulf analyst for the International Crisis Group. While the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran is still in its early stages, it remains unclear how the two nations will address their long-standing issues and disagreements. Jacobs pointed out that resuming diplomatic ties and engaging in dialogue is a positive start, but it is uncertain if it will be enough to resolve their ongoing conflicts.
For years, Iran and Saudi Arabia have been supporting opposing sides in conflicts across the Middle East, including in Yemen. Since the March agreement, Saudi Arabia has increased efforts to establish peace in Yemen, holding direct talks with Huthi leaders in April. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has advocated for the return of Syria, an Iran ally, to the Arab fold.
While the dispute over the Dorra/Arash gas field persists, it is not seen as a major obstacle to improving ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran. It could potentially serve as an opportunity for dialogue between the two nations. However, Saudi Arabia has expressed more significant concerns regarding issues such as Yemen, maritime security in the Gulf, and regional conflicts like Syria.
Aside from the regional dynamics, Riyadh is currently engaged in negotiations regarding a potential deal with Israel. Although it is considered unlikely, the deal would involve Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel in exchange for security guarantees from the United States and concessions from Israel on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During the press conference, Amir-Abdollahian described the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as the most important issue in the Islamic world and affirmed Iran’s continuing support for Palestine.