The long-standing tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran appears to be easing. For years, the Shia-majority nation of Iran and the Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia viewed each other as rivals.
Former Saudi diplomat Prince Turki Al-Faisal said that Iran no longer poses a threat to the region. He emphasized that Israel, not Iran, is the main source of instability in West Asia. His remarks suggest a possible thaw in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Al-Faisal pointed out that Iran’s influence has waned following the weakening of Hezbollah in Lebanon and the decline of the Assad government in Syria. Meanwhile, Israel’s repeated bombings in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria have continually threatened regional peace. These actions, he said, show that Israel is not acting as a force for peace. Al-Faisal added that the United States should step in to rein in Israel’s aggressive moves.
Pay attention to air security
According to the former head of Saudi intelligence, members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) intend to create a shared air defense system. Concerns about aerial threats have led to the need for such a system following attacks on Qatar by Iran and Israel.
Additionally, he cautioned that the world’s silence on matters such as Israel’s military activities and the Palestinian dilemma could encourage the growth of extremist organizations. The world must find a long-term solution to problems like Gaza because unresolved disputes could further destabilize the area.
Developing nuclear weapons: A serious consideration
Given the existence of a nuclear-armed Israel in the area, Al-Faisal said Saudi Arabia need to give developing nuclear weapons serious consideration. He brought up Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s prior statement that Saudi Arabia would develop nuclear weapons if Iran did. Al-Faisal emphasized that given the continuous unrest in the Middle East, nuclear matters must be handled properly.