Sejong Focus

(May 2023 No.30) Implications of the normalization agreements in Saudi-Iran relations agreement and prospects for the future situation in the Middle East

Date 2023-05-04 View 1,563

Implications of the normalization agreements in Saudi-Iran relations agreement and prospects for the future situation in the Middle East 

 

Il-Kwang Sung

ikwangs@naver.com

Korea University

 

 

 

The normalization of Saudi-Iran relations, achieved by Chinese mediation, has many implications for the Middle East. It can be seen as Chinese diplomatic victory against the U.S. over the historical static relationship between two countries. The normalization of the two countries is a strong driving force in the regional detente atmosphere in the region. Realization of Syria's return to the League of Arab States, reconciliation between Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar leads to practical results. China's rise and flexible diplomatic collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Iran are proof of Asianization in the Gulf region