Credit: Unsplash

China mediated a new agreement between the longtime rival countries.

Since the year 2016, the countries of Iran and Saudi Arabia have been in the midst of a bitter feud, heavily destabilizing the Middle Eastern region. However, this week, after seven years of mutual hostility, the countries have finally agreed to reconcile their differences and reestablish their diplomatic ties.

A new deal was brokered today, with representatives of both countries conducting talks in Beijing with Chinese authorities serving as mediators. Among other agreements, the two countries will be reestablishing counter-terror task forces to fight back against local terrorism, drug-smuggling and money-laundering.

Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to resume ties after years of hostility https://t.co/sT76EljRsC pic.twitter.com/BH1xEzL0Ju

— Reuters (@Reuters) March 10, 2023

Besides the obvious shake up in the Middle East, this deal has proven to be a major boon for China, stepping in to mediate in position that would normally be held by the United States. “The fact that it has been agreed to in Beijing is very significant for China and its rise as a diplomatic and strategic player in the Gulf region,” said Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington.. “This does seem to recognize China’s unique role in being able to broker relations between Tehran and Riyadh, stepping into a position that had previously been occupied by European countries, if not the United States, and this will not be particularly pleasing to Washington.”