Iran-Saudi Arabia Rapprochement and its implications for Pakistan

Abstract

The historical rivalry between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran has traditionally been one of the main causes of the Middle East instability that has been expressed through proxy wars in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. This paper will explore the changing geopolitical opportunities bearing after the normalization of relations in 2023 and will examine the future implication of this on the security of Pakistan, its economy, and future diplomacy into 2026. Based on the qualitative, descriptive-analytical approach to research, the study examines how Pakistan, as a nation geographically and religiously placed in the midst of two giants, manages to play a mediator role as it tries to balance its internal sectarian fault lines. Some of the central findings indicate that even though rapprochement has immense potential in terms of security of energy and economic interconnectedness in the region through project development including the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, the challenges associated with the foreign intervention of power, and international sanctions are still critical. The paper concludes that to protect its national interests in this changing environment, Pakistan needs to implement a delicate strategy of a peacemaker that is based on the focus on de-escalation and institutionalized security cooperation.

Keywords: China, Interests, Iran, Middle East, Pakistan, Peace, Rivalry, Saudi Arab