Iran, Saudi Arabia Agree to Restore Diplomatic Relations

Image copyright: Saudi Press Agency/DPA/Reuters [via The Wall Street Journal]

The Spin

Republican narrative

This Chinese-brokered deal between US ally Saudi Arabia and US rival Iran reveals how disastrous the Biden admin. has been to US interests in the Middle East. By not showing a clear commitment to the interests of its regional allies, the White House has pushed them into the arms of China and Russia, its main geopolitical enemies.

Democratic narrative

While the US and China are indeed competing for global leadership, Beijing's growing influence in the Middle East doesn't represent a threat to US interests – except in some specific areas in which it's moving to avert Chinese activism. China-brokered reconciliation talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia have de-escalated tensions, which is also good for the US.


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