Saudi, Iran working together to reduce regional tensions

Islam Mohamed

Saudi Arabia held talks recently with the Iranian regime, the principal backer of the Houthi militia in Yemen, in its bid to reduce regional tensions.

Export of crises

Tehran follows a strategy of exporting its own crises to other countries. It supports the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq, the Houthi militia in Yemen, the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon and a large number of militias in Syria. However, this support is causing Tehran to be isolated amid international condemnation for its support of terrorism around the world.

Riyadh and broad relations

Saudi Arabia, on the contrary, enjoys strong relations with all countries. It cooperates with the United States in reining in the Iranians who work to destabilize the region.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have contributed to the success of American sanctions on Iran, especially on the 2018 ban on Iranian oil exports.

This means that Riyadh has many strong cards to use in any negotiations with Iran. Saudi positions also enjoy support among the Western elite which is afraid of Iran’s destabilizing policies in the region.

The Saudi-led Arab coalition is also involved in intense battles against the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia and Iran explored recently means of reducing tensions in the region, according to Raed Krimli, the head of the Planning Section at the Saudi Foreign Ministry.

He expressed hopes for the success of negotiations between the two countries.

Nevertheless, Krimli said it is still premature to surmise the outcome of talks between Riyadh and Tehran.