Saudi Arabia And Iran Alliance: A New Dawn In Middle East Geopolitics?

Kenyon Legros 23 Jun 2025

For decades, the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran has been defined by rivalry, mistrust, and proxy conflicts that have destabilized the Middle East. From the battlefields of Yemen and Syria to the political arenas of Lebanon and Iraq, Riyadh and Tehran have consistently found themselves on opposing sides, each vying for regional influence. This long-standing animosity has shaped alliances, fueled conflicts, and complicated global efforts towards peace. However, recent diplomatic breakthroughs, particularly the Chinese-brokered agreement in March 2023 to resume diplomatic ties, have signaled a potentially transformative shift. Could this truly be the dawn of a new era, or merely a tactical pause in a deeply entrenched geopolitical struggle? The prospect of a "Saudi Arabia and Iran alliance" or even sustained cooperation is a complex tapestry woven with historical grievances, current pragmatic interests, and uncertain future implications.

The implications of this rapprochement extend far beyond the immediate bilateral relationship, reverberating across the region and on the global stage. It challenges established narratives, reconfigures traditional alliances, and forces major powers like the United States to recalibrate their strategies. Understanding the drivers behind this surprising development, the challenges that lie ahead, and its potential impact on regional security and international relations is crucial for anyone seeking to grasp the evolving dynamics of the Middle East.

A Century of Shifting Sands: The Historical Context of Saudi-Iran Relations
- Early Engagements and Shared Responsibilities (1960s)
- The Islamic Revolution and Decades of Discord
The Beijing Breakthrough: Resuming Diplomatic Ties
Navigating the Nuances: Challenges and Continued Skepticism
- Symbolic Stumbles and Deep-Seated Distrust
- The Shadow of Proxy Wars and Regional Rivalries
Beyond Bilateralism: Regional and Global Implications
A New Multipolar World: The China Factor and BRICS Expansion
Emerging Alliances: Naval Cooperation and Broader Security Visions
The Unforeseen Ripple: Impact on Israel and US Strategy

A Century of Shifting Sands: The Historical Context of Saudi-Iran Relations

The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran, though formally less than a century old in its diplomatic iteration, has been characterized by profound shifts, from periods of cooperation to intense rivalry. This chequered history is essential to understanding the current attempts at rapprochement and the inherent fragility of any potential "Saudi Arabia and Iran alliance."

Early Engagements and Shared Responsibilities (1960s)

In the mid-20th century, particularly in the late 1960s, a different dynamic prevailed. As the United Kingdom announced its withdrawal from the Persian Gulf, vacating its long-held colonial presence, a power vacuum loomed. Recognizing the need for regional stability, Iran and Saudi Arabia, then under the leadership of the Shah and King Faisal respectively, took on primary responsibility for peace and security in the region. This period saw a degree of cooperation, exemplified by the signing of a demarcation agreement in 1968. The Shah even sent a series of letters to King Faisal, urging him to engage in joint efforts to secure the Gulf. This historical precedent demonstrates that cooperation, even a nascent "Saudi Arabia and Iran alliance" on security matters, is not entirely without precedent, albeit under vastly different geopolitical circumstances.

The Islamic Revolution and Decades of Discord

The seismic shift occurred with the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran. This event fundamentally altered Iran's foreign policy, transforming it from a pro-Western monarchy into an anti-imperialist, revolutionary Islamic republic. Saudi Arabia, a conservative Sunni monarchy with close ties to the West, viewed this ideological shift with profound suspicion and alarm. The revolution's call for Islamic unity, often interpreted by Riyadh as an attempt to undermine its own legitimacy and influence over the Islamic world's holy sites, ignited a decades-long rivalry. This period saw a consistent pattern of ups and downs in diplomatic relations, often punctuated by severe crises, including the severing of ties on multiple occasions. The ideological chasm, coupled with regional power ambitions, set the stage for a protracted cold war that would define Middle Eastern geopolitics for the next four decades.

The Beijing Breakthrough: Resuming Diplomatic Ties

The most significant development in recent times came in March 2023, when Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to resume diplomatic ties after years of estrangement. This historic agreement, brokered by China, sent shockwaves across the globe. For years, various mediators, including Iraq and Oman, had attempted to bridge the divide, but it was Beijing's diplomatic muscle that ultimately brought the two regional rivals to the table. The agreement stipulated the reopening of embassies and the exchange of ambassadors, a concrete step towards normalizing relations. Indeed, in September 2023, the new Iranian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, arrived in Riyadh on the same day the Kingdom’s new envoy to Iran, Abdullah Alanazi, began his diplomatic duties in Tehran, symbolizing the tangible progress of this rapprochement.

This move was a clear signal of a shift in regional dynamics. It demonstrated a willingness by both Riyadh and Tehran to prioritize de-escalation and dialogue over continued confrontation, at least for the time being. The reasons behind this shift are multi-faceted, ranging from internal economic pressures to a desire for regional stability to facilitate development. For Saudi Arabia, a de-escalation with Iran could free up resources and attention for its ambitious Vision 2030 economic transformation. For Iran, reducing regional tensions could alleviate some of the pressure from international sanctions and foster greater economic integration. The agreement also underscored China's growing diplomatic role in the Middle East, challenging the traditional influence of the United States and presenting Beijing as a credible mediator capable of facilitating a "Saudi Arabia and Iran alliance" or at least a significant détente.

Navigating the Nuances: Challenges and Continued Skepticism

While the resumption of diplomatic ties is a monumental step, it would be naive to assume that decades of animosity and proxy conflicts can be erased overnight. The path towards a genuine "Saudi Arabia and Iran alliance" or even stable cooperation is fraught with challenges, and skepticism remains high, particularly from Western powers.

Symbolic Stumbles and Deep-Seated Distrust

The deep-seated distrust between the two nations is evident in small but significant incidents. Notably, in June 2023, Saudi Arabia requested to switch the venue of a joint press conference, as the room featured a picture of the late commander of Iran’s Quds Force, General Qassim Soleimani. Another similar incident occurred when a specific image was displayed in another context. These seemingly minor events highlight the lingering sensitivities and the need for careful navigation of symbolic gestures. They underscore that while the political will for dialogue exists, the emotional and historical baggage of their rivalry, including Iran fostering groups over decades to carry out attacks on Israel as well as other countries such as Saudi Arabia, remains a significant hurdle. Officials, particularly from the United States, have also expressed skepticism about whether Iran will fundamentally change its behavior, given its past actions and regional posture.

The Shadow of Proxy Wars and Regional Rivalries

Perhaps the most significant challenge to a lasting "Saudi Arabia and Iran alliance" is their continued involvement in proxy wars across the Middle East. Over the last two decades, Iran and Saudi Arabia have been on opposing sides of the deadliest conflicts in the region. They have backed rival groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, as well as in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. In Libya, for instance, Iran and Saudi Arabia have waged a proxy war, with Saudi Arabia, along with the UAE, Egypt, and Sudan, providing support to the Libyan National Army and its leader, warlord Khalifa Haftar. While the diplomatic agreement includes pledges to respect state sovereignty and not interfere in internal affairs, the practical implementation of these principles in regions where their proxies are deeply entrenched will be the true test of the rapprochement's sincerity and durability. The ability to de-escalate these proxy conflicts and find common ground on regional security issues will be paramount for any meaningful and lasting cooperation.

Beyond Bilateralism: Regional and Global Implications

The warming of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran has profound implications that extend far beyond their direct bilateral ties. It is reshaping regional security architectures and forcing a recalibration of alliances. The rare joint condemnation of Israel’s airstrikes on Syrian territory, calling them unlawful and dangerously destabilizing, is a powerful example of this newfound, albeit cautious, alignment on certain regional issues. This collective stance on a sensitive matter indicates a potential for broader cooperation on regional stability, moving beyond their traditional adversarial roles. Such developments could pave the way for a more integrated regional security framework, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of conflicts that have plagued the Middle East for decades. The prospect of a "Saudi Arabia and Iran alliance" on specific security concerns, even if limited, represents a significant departure from the status quo.

A New Multipolar World: The China Factor and BRICS Expansion

The role of China in brokering the Saudi-Iran deal cannot be overstated. It highlights a broader shift towards a multipolar world order, where traditional Western dominance is increasingly challenged. The fact that Saudi Arabia turned to China, viewing President Xi Jinping as a more effective mediator than the United States, speaks volumes. During his visit to Saudi Arabia in July 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden urged the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—an intergovernmental union of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—to join with Israel to contain Iran. However, Riyadh opted for a different path, signaling its strategic autonomy and a desire to diversify its international partnerships.

Further underscoring this shift is Saudi Arabia's recent decision to join BRICS, the alliance of major developing countries. Along with four other nations—Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—Saudi Arabia was invited to join this influential bloc. This expansion, effective January 2024, places Saudi Arabia and Iran in the same economic and geopolitical grouping, fostering greater interaction and potentially deeper cooperation on global economic and political issues. This shared platform within BRICS could serve as another avenue for building trust and finding common ground, moving beyond the historical antagonism and fostering elements of a "Saudi Arabia and Iran alliance" within a broader international framework.

Emerging Alliances: Naval Cooperation and Broader Security Visions

Beyond the diplomatic and economic spheres, there are nascent discussions about military cooperation, particularly in naval security. Iran's navy commander recently stated that his country and Saudi Arabia, as well as three other Gulf states, plan to form a naval alliance that will also include India and Pakistan. While such a broad alliance would be a monumental undertaking and faces numerous obstacles, the very notion of Saudi Arabia and Iran contemplating joint naval operations speaks to a profound shift in strategic thinking. For decades, their navies have been viewed as potential adversaries in the Persian Gulf. The idea of them collaborating on maritime security, alongside other regional and extra-regional powers, would fundamentally alter the security landscape of the Arabian Gulf and beyond. This proposed "Saudi Arabia and Iran alliance" in the naval domain, if it materializes, would signify a significant step towards a more integrated regional security architecture, moving away from a reliance on external powers for Gulf security.

The Unforeseen Ripple: Impact on Israel and US Strategy

The rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran has significant implications for Israel and the United States. For Israel, it undermines long-held hopes of forming a regional alliance, particularly with Saudi Arabia, against Iran. Israel has actively pursued the Abraham Accords, normalizing ties with several Arab nations, with the ultimate goal of including Saudi Arabia to create a strong front against Tehran's regional influence and nuclear ambitions. The Saudi-Iran détente complicates this strategy significantly.

However, perhaps counterintuitively, this shift could still allow for greater cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Israel. A de-escalated regional environment, where Saudi Arabia feels less directly threatened by Iran, might create more space for Riyadh to consider normalizing ties with Israel without appearing to align against a newly engaged regional power. For the United States, the development presents a complex challenge. While the US has welcomed diplomatic progress between Saudi Arabia, with which it has a close but complicated alliance, and Iran, which it considers a regional menace, officials have also expressed skepticism about whether Iran will change its behavior. The US faces the delicate task of balancing its support for its traditional allies with the reality of a changing Middle East where its influence is no longer unchallenged and where a "Saudi Arabia and Iran alliance" or cooperation, even limited, is becoming a reality.

Conclusion

The journey towards a stable "Saudi Arabia and Iran alliance" or even a sustained period of cooperation is undoubtedly complex, marked by historical grievances, deep-seated distrust, and ongoing proxy conflicts. Yet, the recent diplomatic breakthroughs, brokered by China, represent a pivotal moment. The exchange of ambassadors, the joint condemnation of Israeli airstrikes on Syria, the shared membership in BRICS, and even discussions about a regional naval alliance all point towards a strategic realignment in the Middle East. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, during a meeting in the Qatari capital Doha, emphasized the need to set aside their differences and work towards the expansion of bilateral relations, a sentiment echoed in their joint statement confirming agreement to respect state sovereignty and not interfere in internal affairs.

While skepticism remains, particularly from the West, the pragmatic interests of both nations in de-escalation and regional stability appear to be driving this rapprochement. The future of the Middle East hinges on whether these two regional giants can translate diplomatic agreements into tangible peace on the ground, ending proxy wars and building a foundation of trust. This evolving dynamic will continue to shape global geopolitics, demanding careful observation and nuanced understanding. What are your thoughts on this unprecedented shift? Do you believe a genuine "Saudi Arabia and Iran alliance" is possible, or is this merely a temporary détente? Share your perspectives in the comments below, and explore our other articles on Middle Eastern geopolitics for deeper insights.

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Iran-Saudi Pact Is Brokered by China, Leaving U.S. on Sidelines - The

How the Saudi-Iran Pact Could Transform the Middle East - The New York

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