Saudi-Iran truce marks greater Muslim unity but mistrust remains, experts say

SHAH ALAM - The recent historical China-brokered Saudi-Iran deal shows there is room for unity between the two gulf states but mistrust remains between the two arch enemies, said an expert.

Strategic and International Studies senior lecturer Associate Professor Dr Roy Anthony Rogers of Universiti Malaya said there are a lot of issues to work on.

"Due to their long history of antagonistic relations, I think there is still some mistrust between the two," he told Sinar Daily.

Asked if the deal could improve regional stability, security and increase cooperation among middle eastern countries in managing current challenges, he said truce could reduce proxy conflicts in Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria.

"I believe this truce is welcomed by Muslims. Malaysia has close relations with Saudi and Iran.

"It is not as simple as that (diplomacy) because this division is due to dogmatic, historical, and ethnic differences. However, hopefully this can reduce tension between the two denominations (Sunnis and Shias)."

Another observation is the growing involvement of China in Middle Eastern politics, which may put the US's diplomatic and economic power at risk.

Saudi and Iran are both vital to China, especially in terms of oil and gas.

Meanwhile, former deputy chief executive of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, Datuk Steven Wong said it is difficult to overstate the importance of China-facilitated restoration of diplomatic, security, and economic ties between Iran and Saudi,

"I do not expect quick resolution of outstanding issues such as Iranian nuclearisation, the Yemen war, competition for influence in Iraq, other Gulf States, and throughout the Muslim world, as well as relations with Israel and the US.

"Following the United Arab Emirates, a Saudi-Iran diplomatic pathway has now been restored, offering possibilities not seen in recent years."

"In my opinion, the first tangible product of any improvement in relations will be the long-lasting settlement of the war in Yemen," he added.

He said Malaysia and Indonesia have maintained diplomatic relations with these two countries and will warmly welcome the truce, including Europe.

"In my view, sectarian differences have been greatly overshadowed by geopolitical ambitions. The restoration of diplomatic ties is not a guarantee of friendly relations but a very positive step in this direction."

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told reporters that the two countries had agreed to conduct a meeting at the level of foreign ministers, with three possible locations proposed.

However, he did not specify the places or the date of the meeting.