The Iranian and Saudi flags stand at the end of a red carpet awaiting Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan in Tehran, June 17, 2023. (Credit: Majid Asgaripour/WANA/Reuters)
The worst-case scenarios have not yet materialized, whether in the form of a unilateral U.S. withdrawal without a clear victory, an Iran descending into chaos and civil war, or a continuation — or escalation — of military confrontation. For now, that offers some reassurance to Saudi Arabia. But the situation remains far from ideal following the Israeli-American war launched in Iran on Feb. 28 and the cease-fire that took effect on April 8. Attacks could resume after U.S. President Donald Trump's trip to China, at a time when diplomacy has reached an impasse. Otherwise, the current "no war, no deal" situation could persist, prolonging regional instability and uncertainty. At best, a limited agreement could emerge as Washington grows increasingly eager to disengage from the war. All these scenarios are pushing Saudi Arabia to...
The worst-case scenarios have not yet materialized, whether in the form of a unilateral U.S. withdrawal without a clear victory, an Iran descending into chaos and civil war, or a continuation — or escalation — of military confrontation. For now, that offers some reassurance to Saudi Arabia. But the situation remains far from ideal following the Israeli-American war launched in Iran on Feb. 28 and the cease-fire that took effect on April 8. Attacks could resume after U.S. President Donald Trump's trip to China, at a time when diplomacy has reached an impasse. Otherwise, the current "no war, no deal" situation could persist, prolonging regional instability and uncertainty. At best, a limited agreement could emerge as Washington grows increasingly eager to disengage from the war. All these scenarios are pushing Saudi...
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