While we were discussing the results of the earthquake disaster and the finalized May 14 elections, a new process was started in the negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia in our region. After 7 years, it was decided to restart diplomatic relations. The two countries agreed on the mutual opening of embassies.
Last week, Iran's security official Ali Shamkhani and Saudi Arabian national security adviser Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aibanbu signed the agreement. In addition, these signatures did not only bring diplomatic rapprochement like the opening of embassies. At the same time, the two countries decided to reintroduce a security cooperation agreement signed in 2001 to the agenda. In addition, agreements on trade, economy and investment, which were signed in the past but pending on the shelves, will also be activated.
This rapprochement has given birth to hope that this rapprochement will create a basis for ending the ongoing conflicts in Yemen, albeit with low intensity, overcoming the ongoing crisis in Bahrain and eliminating the conflict in Syria, although it is not on the agenda. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were completely broken in 2016. After the execution of the Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr Al-Nimr in Riyadh, attacks were carried out on the representatives of Saudi Arabia in Iran and relations were severed as a result of these events.
Interestingly, China became the architect of this rapprochement. There are not many examples of China being involved in such problems. China, which has developed a diplomacy based on economic relations, especially with African countries, has taken on the role of a mediator whose political influence is prominent in such a complicated problem that also has an economic dimension. Wang Yibu, a diplomat appointed by China to manage the process, described the agreement as "a victory for dialogue and peace". Beijing also announced that such initiatives will follow in the future.
As you know, China is the largest energy importer in the world. Energy is vitally important to keep the wheels turning in industry. The main factor motivating China in this agreement is the negative effects of the crises in the Middle East geography on the oil sea. The goal of China, the largest trading partner in the Middle East, is to build a stable region to protect its own interests.
So, where is the United States of America (USA) in this? In fact, the United States is currently uncertain about exactly how to respond. On the one hand, while supporting the agreement, on the other hand, US newspapers wrote that the White House was nervous and China was challenging the US. Despite all this, it does not seem very possible for Saudi Arabia to initiate such an important process without talking to the United States.
White House National Security spokesman John Kirby also confirmed this. He explained that Saudi Arabia informed them, but Washington was not directly involved and that they supported this process to end the war in Yemen. There are also comments that this agreement will contribute positively to the ongoing nuclear talks with Iran.
There is also the Israeli dimension, which will definitely affect the attitude of the United States. Let us also note that former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett made a statement regarding the agreement as "a political success for Iran, but a serious and dangerous development for Israel".
Despite everything, the normalization of relations between the two countries is a win for our region. We hope that both countries will succeed in developing a relationship that is free from external influences, interference and manipulations to the maximum extent.