Iran and Saudi Arabia reestablished diplomatic ties after several years, thanks to China. The countries will reopen embassies, too:
The deal, struck in Beijing this week amid its ceremonial National People’s Congress, represents a major diplomatic victory for the Chinese as Gulf Arab states perceive the United States slowly withdrawing from the wider Middle East. It also comes as diplomats have been trying to end a long war in Yemen, a conflict in which both Iran and Saudi Arabia are deeply entrenched.The two countries released a joint communique on the deal with China, which brokered the agreement as President Xi Jinping was awarded a third five-year term as leader earlier Friday.
The relations soured “in 2016 after protesters attacked its diplomatic posts in Iran following Saudi Arabia’s execution of a prominent Shiite cleric, Nimr al-Nimr.”
But the negotiations is a sign of things to come. China wants to be in the middle of everything:
China has also sought to establish itself as a mediator in the Ukraine war, offering a peace plan to both parties that has so far gained little traction.Mr Wang said Beijing will continue to play a constructive role in handling hotspot issues in the world and demonstrate its responsibility as a major nation. “The world is not just limited to the Ukraine issue,” he said.As Mr Biden seeks to pivot to confront a resurgent China, Beijing stepping in to lead diplomatic efforts in the Middle East indicated a major change, said Mr Stephens.“The US burned its leverage through inconsistency, it’s as simple as that,” he said.
A senior Israeli official said, “There was a feeling of U.S. and Israeli weakness and this is why the Saudis started looking for new avenues. It was clear that this was going to happen.”
The official made the remarks as he traveled with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The White House National Security Council spokesperson responded: “We remain committed to working closely with Israel to jointly address the many challenges and opportunities facing Israel and the Middle East region, including countering threats from Iran. There is no greater supporter of Israel’s security than President Biden.”
Yeah, okay.
But the Israeli official also said the government does not think the Saudi Arabia and Iran agreement won’t affect any plans to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
The Red Sea Deal in July 2022 is considered a step towards a normal relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY