SAUDI-IRANIAN FRIENDSHIP?

Will Iran and Saudi Arabia become friends?

On 3 August 2011 it was reported that, according to Iranian MP Hossein Sobhaninia:

"Certain Western countries are concerned about the development of a strong relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia."

(West concerned over Tehran-Riyadh strong ties: MP)

"Iran and Saudi Arabia plan to strengthen their relations and clear up misunderstandings, Tehran’s ambassador to Riyadh has said.

"Mohammad Javad Rasouli Mahallati told Saudi newspaper Al-Watan that Iran and Saudi Arabia should make efforts to clear up misunderstandings in order help promote their relations.

"Mahallati added current policies adopted by the officials of the two countries show that there is a positive tendency to resolve current disagreements.

"He went on to say certain countries are trying to fan the flames of current disagreements between Tehran and Riyadh."

(Iran, Saudi Arabia plan to clear up misunderstandings: envoy)

‎"As the United States prepares to withdraw its troops from Iraq to meet a year-end deadline, Iranian-backed Shiite insurgents have stepped up their attacks on U.S. troops while Saudi Arabia has begun to provide assistance to Sunni militias there, according to a report."

('This implies protracted and well-funded irregular warfare')

"Riyadh-Tehran relations are at their worst since the Saudis were funding Saddam Hussein’s legions to mow down Iranian infantry in the 1980s...

"Change in Damascus could upset relations with Tehran, severing its main logistical link to Hezbollah.

"Suddenly, there is the prospect of a Sunni-led Syria to counterbalance the Shia dominion in Baghdad...

"Riyadh has ... reportedly discussed with Washington increasing its crude supplies to China as a way to lure Beijing into reducing its investment in Iran’s energy sector...

"Iran remains resilient and has seen some improvements in its relations with Pakistan and Afghanistan, where US influence is waning..."

(The summer heats up as friction mounts between Saudi Arabia and ...)

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