Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia is actively seeking to bolster ties with Iran before the possible return of Donald Trump to the US presidency. A recent report highlights proposals for increased trade, building on earlier diplomatic thawing initiatives. This strategy aims to enhance regional stability and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plans.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is reportedly prioritizing the enhancement of diplomatic and economic relations with Iran in anticipation of US President-elect Donald Trump potentially resuming office. According to Bloomberg, Crown Prince Salman has proposed an increase in trade with Iranian officials, aiming to alleviate tensions with Western nations. This initiative follows a Chinese-mediated agreement in March 2023, which marked a significant thawing of relations between the two countries after years of hostility.
While details regarding the specific trade offers remain vague, it is suggested that the initial focus may involve food and medical products, thereby adhering to existing sanctions from Europe and the United States. This strategic maneuver is necessitated by the uncertainty surrounding the future of US policies toward Iran, particularly the possibility of renewed pressures reminiscent of Trump’s previous administration.
Moreover, the Crown Prince dispatched National Security Adviser Musaad al-Aiban to Washington to discuss bilateral relations, aiming to secure a dual-channel approach that maintains Saudi engagement with both the United States and Iran. This strategy is deemed crucial for the kingdom’s geopolitical positioning, albeit it potentially places Saudi Arabia in a delicate situation as it tries to navigate its international relationships.
The backdrop of these diplomatic initiatives is the ambitious Vision 2030 plan, which seeks to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy beyond oil dependence. During a recent investment conference in Riyadh, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized his government’s commitment to promoting this initiative, which relies on stability and foreign investment.
Concerns have been raised by Iranian authorities regarding the delay in the realization of trade promises made under the Beijing Agreement, despite China urging closer cooperation between the two regional powers. Recent reports indicate that a Saudi-Chinese-Iranian committee met in Riyadh to reinforce their commitments, highlighting approximately 140,000 Iranian pilgrims visiting Saudi holy sites this year as a symbol of growing ties.
The resumption of formal relations followed a seven-year hiatus due to a Beijing-mediated agreement in March 2023, reaffirming commitments to mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in domestic affairs. This was complemented by discussions on past security and economic agreements, aiming to bolster collaboration across various sectors, including cultural and scientific exchanges.
The recent diplomatic overtures between Saudi Arabia and Iran occur against a volatile backdrop of Middle Eastern geopolitics, characterized by historical tensions and competitive rivalries. The normalization of relations is particularly important for regional stability, especially in light of the changing US political landscape. The Crown Prince’s urgency stems from the imminent return of Donald Trump, who previously pursued a hardline approach against Iran, heightening the stakes for Saudi Arabia as it seeks to secure its interests. Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy, further drives these efforts, highlighting the need for stable relations to attract investment and support ambitious projects.
In summary, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s push to strengthen ties with Iran reflects both a response to evolving geopolitical dynamics and a strategic move to safeguard Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. By prioritizing trade and diplomatic relations ahead of Donald Trump’s potential return to power, Saudi Arabia aims to navigate through uncertain waters and enhance its regional standing. Moving forward, the successful implementation of agreements and commitments promised under various accords will be crucial for sustaining this rapprochement and ensuring mutual benefit for both nations.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
