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Saudi-Iran Reconciliation: Implications for the

Middle East and Pakistan

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Introduction

 Long-standing rivalry between KSA and Iran

 Rooted in political, sectarian, and regional competition
 Significant implications for stability of region
 Clashed over regional conflicts, in Syria and Yemen.
 Recent developments raised hopes for reconciliation

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Introduction
 last decade highlight their adversarial policies:
o Bahrain Unrest of 2011
o Syrian war 2011
o War in Yemen 2015
o Mecca stampede 2015
o KSA cut ties with Iran 2016
o Iran suspended Hajj Participation 2016

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Introduction

o Qatar blockade in 2017

o Resignation of Lebanese PM
o Missile were also intercepted over Riyadh
o US pulled out of Iran nuclear deal in 2018
o Attacks of Saudi targets in 2019
o Killing of Qassem Soleimani in 2020

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Introduction

 Recent notable diplomatic overtures from both sides

 Willingness to explore avenues for the reconciliation
 Exhausted by the proxies and insecurities
 Reconciliation was facilitated by the changing regional dynamics
 Realization that the continuation of the status quo poses significant risks
 Open doors to greater regional cooperation

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Map of Middle-East

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Issue and Challenges / Analysis

Reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran could yield numerous

benefits:
o Could alleviate sectarian tensions within the region
o Economic potential could lead to increased trade, investment, and
prosperity for the entire region.

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Issue and Challenges / Analysis

KSA’s position & Vision 2030 plan

Iran’s standing
Ideology of the deal
Implications for the Middle East Region
o Regional Peace and Harmony

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Issue and Challenges / Analysis

o Iraq Tension
o An end to Yemen War
o Syria’s viewpoint
o Lebanon’s standing
o A Nightmare for Israel
o Status of US dominance in Middle East

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 Issue and Challenges / Analysis

Economic Factors In Saudi-Iran deal

o Energy led Economy
o China’s investments & CPEC/BRI
o China’s Dependence on Oil Import

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Source: imf.org
Issue and Challenges / Analysis

Implications for Pakistan

o Balancing the Relations
o Regional Security
o Energy Security
o Connectivity
o An Economic Growth and Trade Opportunities

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Conclusion

The Saudi-Iran reconciliation is vulnerable to a set of domestic and

foreign spoilers. Although Saudi-Iran reconciliation is a complex and
challenging endeavor, it holds significant implications for the Middle
East as well as for Pakistan. The issues and challenges surrounding their
rivalry are deeply rooted in historical, political, sectarian, and regional
dynamics.

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Conclusion
However, despite the obstacles, there are reasons for cautious optimism. The pursuit
of reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran is a worthwhile goal that can
contribute to the overall stability and security of the Middle East. It is essential for
all stakeholders to remain committed to the reconciliation process, support
diplomatic efforts, and seize opportunities for dialogue and understanding.
With sustained dedication and a focus on shared interests, Saudi-Iran reconciliation
can pave the way for a more peaceful, cooperative, and prosperous future in the
region.

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Recommendations

The scope of Saudi-Iran reconciliation encompasses a wide range of

political, diplomatic, and regional dynamics. Achieving meaningful
reconciliation between these two influential regional powers requires
addressing several key areas and considerations.
 Sustained Diplomatic Engagement
 Mediation and International Support

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Recommendations

 Develop Sectarian Harmony

 Avoid Geopolitical Alignments
 Promoting Regional Security Cooperation
 Encourage policy of non-interference
 Negotiate on Differing Perspectives on Regional Issues
 Focus on Mutual Interests

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Recommendations

 Economic Cooperation and Trade

 Promotion of Cultural Exchanges and Public Diplomacy
 Engagement in Track II Dialogues
 Addressing Proxy Conflicts
 Patience and Persistence
 Learn from Successful Reconciliation Models

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The Bigger Picture
In bigger perspective, normalization of relations between regional actors has the
potential to transform the region. Moreover, China’s global aspirations will also
work in the direction to alleviate the economy of the region. In addition, as the
patron of the established order in the area, US has always been reluctant to reassure
its allies of the status quo. March 10 agreement has started a new era in the region on
many level of analysis: security, energy, diplomacy and systemic ones and could
herald the beginning of a future deep-rooted change in the dynamics of International
System

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