The statement may indicate a rapprochement between the two regional superpowers, who have been fighting for influence in countries such as Lebanon, Yemen and Syria for many years.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made the statement when he opened a summit with Arab and Muslim leaders in Riyadh on Monday. Here he said that the world community should ensure that Israel respects the sovereignty of what he called the “sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran” and does not violate its territories.
In the speech, he also said that the international community must immediately stop Israel’s attacks against “our brothers in Palestine and Lebanon”, and he called the Israeli warfare in the Gaza Strip a genocide.
Spoke with the President of Iran
On the same day, it became clear that the Crown Prince has also spoken to Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on the phone. According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the two spoke about how to improve bilateral relations. Pezeshkian also reportedly praised Saudi Arabia for wanting to hold a summit to discuss Israel’s attacks on the Palestinian territories and Lebanon.
The conversation took place on Sunday evening, the same day that Saudi Arabia’s defense chief was visiting Iran to speak with his counterpart there.
Iran and Saudi Arabia have traditionally been very hostile towards each other, but the countries have been characterized by a cautious approach since China brokered an agreement between them in 2023.
Israel hopes for an agreement
Israel has long wanted to establish diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, which just over a year ago was said to have come close to normalizing relations with Israel.
At the same time, Israel regards Iran as its arch-enemy, which, with its support for groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, poses the real threat to Israel.
Saudi Arabia remains one of America’s closest allies in the Middle East, and it remains to be seen how a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran will affect Saudi Arabia’s relationship with a new Trump administration.
In Trump’s previous term, Saudi Arabia was referred to as a supporter in the fight against Iran.
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**Interview with Dr. Lena Hassan, Middle Eastern Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hassan. Recent statements from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the summit in Riyadh have sparked discussions about a potential rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran. What are your thoughts on this development?
**Dr. Hassan:** Thank you for having me. Yes, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s emphasis on the sovereignty of Iran during the summit indicates a significant shift in rhetoric. This gesture could signify a willingness to reduce tensions and perhaps open the door for dialogue between the two nations, which have been vying for influence in the region for decades.
**Editor:** Exactly. The Crown Prince mentioned the need for the world community to ensure Israel respects Iranian sovereignty. What does this imply about Saudi Arabia’s stance on Israel and its actions in the region moving forward?
**Dr. Hassan:** By calling for respect for Iran’s sovereignty, Saudi Arabia appears to be positioning itself as a mediator rather than a confrontational actor in the region. It also suggests that Saudi Arabia may be encouraging a more balanced approach to regional affairs, potentially calling for all nations, including Israel, to adhere to international norms regarding sovereignty.
**Editor:** Interesting point. Given the historical animosities between Saudi Arabia and Iran, what specific steps do you think the two countries might take to foster this rapprochement?
**Dr. Hassan:** Effective communication channels are crucial. We may see back-channel negotiations and increased diplomatic engagements. Additionally, addressing shared interests, such as economic collaboration and countering extremist groups, could also pave the way for improved relations.
**Editor:** how do you see this potential shift affecting the wider region, especially in countries like Yemen and Lebanon, where Saudi Arabia and Iran have vested interests?
**Dr. Hassan:** If Saudi Arabia and Iran can find common ground, it could lead to a de-escalation of conflict in places like Yemen and Lebanon, where their influence often leads to proxy battles. A more cooperative relationship could not only stabilize these areas but also pave the way for broader regional cooperation on critical challenges.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Hassan, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how this situation evolves and what it means for the future of Middle Eastern diplomacy.
