Iran’s foreign minister visits Saudi Arabia for first time in 8 years
PBS NewsHourAug 03, 2023
Iran's FM Arrives in Saudi Arabia Amid Diplomatic Thaw
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Image copyright: Mehr News Agency [via Wikimedia Commons]
The Facts
On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Riyadh for a one-day visit on his first official trip to Saudi Arabia since the two countries resumed diplomatic ties in March.
After meeting with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Iran's top diplomat announced in a joint press conference that relations between the two countries are "on the right track," citing "successful" talks.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian traveling to Saudi Arabia after his Saudi counterpart visited Iran in June is another significant step in normalizing bilateral ties. The only ones who have an interest in attacking the China-brokered détente and benefitting from regional discord are foreign powers like Israel and the US. However, this will not prevent Riyadh and Tehran from jointly striving for regional stability and developing a more secure and prosperous future.
Pro-establishment narrative
It would be premature to view Hossein Amir-Abdollahian's trip as another sign that Riyadh is pivoting away from the West in favor of Iran and China. While the China-brokered deal may represent a victory for Chinese diplomacy, Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, is now back on track for a new US-backed push to normalize relations with Israel. Moreover, the Saudis and Kuwaitis are at odds with Tehran over a disputed gas field. The region is in transition, and it's not yet clear where developments will lead.
