Saudi Crown Prince Backs Iran, Accuses Israel of Genocide at Riyadh Summit
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made waves at a recent summit of Arab and Muslim leaders in Riyadh by criticizing Israel and voicing support for Iran. His remarks, focused on Israel’s actions in Gaza and advocating for the sovereignty of Iran, mark a noticeable pivot in Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy. Here’s a breakdown of the statements and their implications.
Crown Prince Urges Israel to Respect Iran’s Sovereignty
At the summit, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called on Israel with a strong stance that demonstrates Riyadh’s move towards a more Iran-friendly position. In his remarks, he stressed that Israel should “respect the sovereignty of the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran and not violate its lands”, signaling Saudi Arabia’s growing alignment with Tehran and distancing from the US-brokered normalization efforts with Israel.
Strong Condemnation of Israel’s Actions in Gaza
The Saudi leader accused Israel of committing “genocide” against Palestinians, citing significant casualties, including the loss of over 150,000 lives, with many victims being women and children. This condemnation aligns with Saudi Arabia’s renewed emphasis on Palestinian rights and its opposition to Israel’s policies in the Gaza Strip, which has experienced escalating violence since October 2023.
Tensions with the US Over Israel Relations
The Riyadh summit occurred shortly after the US election, with former president Donald Trump winning another term. Prince Mohammed’s comments suggest that Saudi Arabia may be veering away from US-led efforts to bring Israel and Saudi Arabia into a normalized relationship. Although the Abraham Accords under Trump’s previous administration resulted in several Arab states recognizing Israel, Riyadh’s stance under Prince Mohammed has grown more critical of Israel’s role in regional conflicts.
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Saudi-Iranian Relations: A Diplomatic Reset
Following a China-brokered rapprochement with Iran in March 2023, Saudi Arabia has worked to improve relations with its longstanding regional rival. High-level engagements, including the recent visit of Saudi military officials to Tehran and joint maritime exercises, underscore this diplomatic shift. Prince Mohammed’s renewed rhetoric at the summit solidifies Saudi Arabia’s stance of balancing its regional diplomacy and reducing hostilities with Iran.
Regional Tensions and Iran’s Role
The ongoing conflict between Israel and groups backed by Iran, including Hamas and Hezbollah, has drawn Saudi Arabia and Iran into closer alignment, with both countries calling for a peaceful resolution in Gaza. Iranian-backed groups have launched several missile attacks on Israel, escalating the conflict’s scope. Amid these tensions, Saudi Arabia has shifted from prior support of US-led countermeasures, even removing a Saudi media outlet’s label of Hamas as a terror organization.
Impact of Saudi Arabia’s Position on US-Israel Relations
Crown Prince Mohammed’s statements, along with recent Saudi-Iranian cooperation, represent a potential shift in the Middle East’s balance of power. Experts suggest that the US and Israel may face challenges in expanding the Abraham Accords unless substantial policy changes are made. With Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy increasingly focused on regional diplomacy and cooperation with Iran, the path toward normalization with Israel appears to be on hold for now.
Conclusion
The Riyadh summit showcased Saudi Arabia’s pivot in foreign policy under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with a renewed focus on rights of the state of Palestinian and improved ties with Iran. As regional dynamics evolve, Saudi Arabia’s stance may signal broader changes in Middle Eastern alliances, leaving Israel and the US to adapt to a complex new diplomatic landscape. Stay tuned for latest updates from the region as we bring more for you.
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