Saudi Arabia & Iran In Near Future.

 Some general information on the historical and geopolitical context of Iran-Saudi Arabia relations and the potential implications of improved relations between these two countries.

Historical context: Iran and Saudi Arabia have long been regional rivals, with competing interests and ideologies. Iran is predominantly Shia Muslim, while Saudi Arabia is predominantly Sunni Muslim. The two countries have backed different factions in conflicts across the Middle East, including in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. This rivalry has often taken on a sectarian dimension, with Iran being accused of trying to export its Shia ideology and influence to other parts of the region, and Saudi Arabia being accused of supporting Sunni extremist groups.

Recent developments: It is unclear what specific recent developments you are referring to, as I do not have access to current news events. However, in general, there have been occasional attempts to improve relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia in the past, but they have often been short-lived. For example, in 2015, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Saudi Arabia's King Salman met on the sidelines of a UN summit in New York, but the two countries relations quickly deteriorated again following the execution of a prominent Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia.

Iran & Saudi Leaders (Image Via Fox News)

Potential implications: If Iran and Saudi Arabia were able to establish a genuine friendship or at least significantly improve their relations, it could have significant implications for the region and the world. Here are a few potential scenarios:

1. Reduced tensions and conflicts in the Middle East: Iran and Saudi Arabia have been involved in various proxy wars and conflicts across the region, often supporting opposing sides. If they were to resolve their differences and work together, it could help reduce tensions and conflicts in places like Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. This could potentially lead to fewer casualties, less displacement, and less destabilization in the region.
2. Increased stability and cooperation in the oil market: Both Iran and Saudi Arabia are major oil producers, and their rivalry has often spilled over into the oil market. If they were able to cooperate more closely on oil production and pricing, it could help stabilize the market and reduce volatility. This could benefit not only Iran and Saudi Arabia but also other countries that rely on oil exports.
3. Improved relations between Shia and Sunni Muslims: The sectarian divide between Shia and Sunni Muslims have been a source of conflict and tension in the Middle East for centuries. If Iran and Saudi Arabia were able to bridge this divide and work together, it could help improve relations between Shia and Sunni Muslims more broadly. This could potentially reduce sectarian violence and extremism in the region and beyond.
4. Shift in regional power dynamics: Iran and Saudi Arabia are two of the most powerful and influential countries in the Middle East. If they were to form a closer alliance, it could shift the balance of power in the region and potentially challenge the dominance of other powers like the United States, Israel, and Russia. This could have broader implications for global politics and security.

Of course, it is important to note that establishing a genuine friendship or significantly improving relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia would be difficult and complex, given their long history of rivalry and animosity. It would require a significant shift in both countries' attitudes and policies and the involvement and support of other regional and global powers. Nonetheless, the potential benefits of such a development are significant and worth exploring.