After years of tensions, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a mediator between Iran and the United States, playing a significant role in reducing tension between the two countries. This development came after the Gaza-Israel conflict and escalating violence, where high-level Saudi officials facilitated communication. In November, Hossam Amin ABDOLLAH, Iran’s head of external operations, attended a conference in Riyadh on the Gaza conflict, attended by leaders of the Islamic Cooperation Organization and Arab League.

Middle East Eye reported that the Saudis then conveyed their intention to mediate between Iran and the United States to their Iranian counterparts, with Washington confirming the message. Subsequently, the Saudis transferred the message to high-ranking officials in Riyadh.

This move by Saudi Arabia follows a pattern where Oman, Qatar, and Switzerland have occasionally acted as intermediaries between Iran and the United States, using their positions to facilitate dialogue in the region. The need for such mediation arose after the peace agreement between Iran and the United States and the outbreak of violence on November 7th in the Gaza conflict.

According to sources in Iran, the main aim of the Tehran-Washington exchange of messages was to halt the violence and prevent its further escalation in the region. Tehran has warned Washington of the consequences if the regional violence in the Gaza conflict reaches an unprecedented level.