Iran hopes Saudi Arabia is serious about new era in ties - analysis

In the wake of the visit by Iran’s foreign minister to Saudi Arabia, the Iranians are hoping the Saudis are serious about a new era in ties. Iran’s pro-government media highlighted a recent cabinet meeting in Saudi Arabia, saying that Riyadh is indicating a new phase in relations.

The report at Fars News is part of a wider pattern of Iran’s interest in rapidly expanding its ties with Saudi Arabia. 

China also is watching this development closely. China’s foreign minister spoke with his Iranian counterpart after the Iranian diplomat traveled to Riyadh. As such China is clearly using Iran as one of its conduits to the Gulf. China is also doing its own outreach. Iran sees this as a unique opportunity.

The opportunity matters more today because of the BRICS summit taking place in South Africa this week. Saudi Arabia and Iran are both interested in joining BRICS. BRICS combines Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, making up a large percentage of the world’s leading non-Western economies.  

 Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan went to South Africa on Tuesday to attend the 15th BRICS Summit, Saudi Arabia state media reported. READ MORE