Improved relations with the Gulf States have given a degree of legitimacy to Iranian diplomacy. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated a few days ago: "We are completely serious about Iranian-Saudi relations. The neighbourhood policy we have already begun is a very important policy, and Saudi Arabia has a very important position in this policy."
A new Middle East is emerging as Israel responds to the "Al-Aqsa Intifada" or “Second Intifada”. Is another Middle East emerging, rather than the one Israel has been drawing up since 2023? A Middle East whose features are beginning to take shape in the Arabian Gulf region between Iran and its neighbours?
Hence, the most important questions about the other Middle East are: Is Iran changing? Is Saudi Arabia legitimising the US-Iran agreement? Is the region heading toward a new Middle East different from the Middle East Israel seeks?
The Iranian-Saudi reconciliation agreement has significantly contributed to regional security. This agreement, brokered by China and negotiated by both Saudi Arabia and Iran to achieve their economic and political interests, can be said to be a pillar of regional security and stability.
The agreement between Riyadh and Tehran has contributed to strengthening Iran's position, breaking its regional isolation on the one hand and providing a protective shield against US policy toward Iran, particularly during the era of Donald Trump, on the other.
Israel could have supported this policy against Iran had Trump decided to treat Iran as a threat to regional security. Instead, the reconciliation has played a role in supporting the Gulf States, particularly Saudi Arabia, in defining Washington's regional agenda toward Tehran, ensuring the security of the Arabian Gulf for everyone, including Iran and the Gulf states.
Iran is well aware of this. This can be seen in the shift in Iranian political discourse. Less than five years ago, Iranian leaders spoke of Tehran's influence extending to four Arab countries. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departs from the framework of regional hegemony that Iran has sought for decades and has pursued since 2011. Also, several Arab countries have witnessed unrest and demonstrations recently that has threatened their stability.
Araghchi used completely different language, saying during the Tehran Dialogue Forum held in May: "Iran does not see itself as a hegemonic power, but rather as a strong state among strong neighbours, integrated into a flexible and interconnected regional fabric." This is a significant development if it reflects a shift in the Iranian mindset, rather than merely a tactical shift.
The change in Iranian political discourse is primarily due to the strategic changes the region has witnessed. Iran has seen the weakening of its regional influence through the erosion of the strength of its regional proxies, such as Hamas and Hezbollah. This is due to the repercussions of Operation Aqsa Flood. Israel has targeted Iran, along with Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria to change the face of the Middle East.
Trump's arrival for a second term in the White House has played a significant role in Iran's positioning itself in the new regional context. What also gave Iran a boost and strength was the improvement in relations with the Gulf States, which Saudi Arabia greatly influenced, lending a degree of legitimacy to Iran's neighborhood diplomacy.
A few days ago, Araghchi said: "We are completely serious about Iranian- Saudi relations. The neighborhood policy we have already initiated is a very important policy, and Saudi Arabia has a very important position in this policy."
Active Saudi diplomacy played a role in this change, as did the mutual visits between Iranian and Saudi officials, most notably the visit of Saudi Arabian Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud to Tehran and his meeting with the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ali Hosseini Khamenei
Riyadh also played a role in supporting the Iranian-American talks to reach an agreement. There is no doubt that the Arab Gulf states are striving hard to conclude an agreement between Iran and Washington and to spare the region the outbreak of new conflicts or wars, at a time when Israel is trying to drag Washington into a confrontation with Iran.
It can be said that the influential protective factor in Washington's strategy toward Iran is the improvement in relations between Iran and the Gulf States. In addition to breaking out of regional isolation, Tehran is promoting that it is not a threat to the security of its neighbors. Iran is also confident that the strength of Saudi-US relations will help Washington remain more patient in its talks with Tehran to reach an agreement. (Since then Israel has attacked Iran and vice versa).
Iran moves closer to Saudi Arabia