At Beijing's brokering

China-mediated deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia marks an improvement in China’s diplomatic hold in the Middle East while US’ influence is waning

- M SHAKEEL AHMED

The mediatory role by China leading to the surprise restoration of ties between archrivals Iran and Saudi Arabia signals the emerging political influence of Beijing in the Middle East as a whole and the Gulf region in particular. It also reflects the waning of US influence in the area besides dealing a jolt to Israel, which is reportedly having growing security and commercial ties with Saudi Arabia in its bid to isolate Iran in the region.

Since returning to the office late last year, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies have hinted that a deal with the Kingdom could be in the offing. In a speech to American Jewish leaders last month, Netanyahu spoke of a peace agreement as "a goal that we are working on in parallel with the goal of stopping Iran." After years of hostility that had threatened stability and security in the Gulf and escalated conflicts in the Middle East from Yemen to Syria, the deal was announced following four days of behind the closed doors talks between top security officials from Iran and Saudi Arabia in Beijing. According to a statement issued by the two countries and China, the two Gulf countries have agreed to resume diplomatic relations and re-open embassies within two months.

"The agreement includes their affirmation of the respect for the sovereignty of states and the non-interference in internal affairs," it said.

The two countries also agreed to reactivate a 2001 security cooperation agreement that helped prevent active conflict for 10 years despite deep mutual mistrust, which remains even today, and an earlier accord on trade, economy and investment. Saudi Arabia severed its ties with Iran in 2016 after its embassy in Tehran was stormed during a dispute between the two countries over Riyadh's execution of a Shi'ite Muslim cleric.