Normalization of Iran–Saudi Arabia Relations: Perspectives and Strategies for Strengthening and Stabilizing

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor International Relations, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 Ph.D. Student of International Relations, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

3 Associate Professor of International Relations, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

10.22059/jppolicy.2026.106379

Abstract

What factors have contributed to increasing Saudi Arabia's willingness to normalize relations with Iran? What is the outlook and what strategies are in place to maintain and strengthen it? study argues that a combination of three variables- uncertainty due to shifts in the international order, domestic policy considerations of the new Saudi government (s preserving the political system under the new leadership, diversifying the economy, and strengthening social support for emerging populations), and the pragmatism of the new Saudi leadership - has favoured the adoption of a strategic hedging approach to foreign policy. An important pillar of this strategy was the de-escalation of tensions and the normalization of relations with Iran. The research findings also suggest that the normalization process between Iran and Saudi Arabia is still in its infancy and its long-term sustainability requires the building of trust- or at least the application of a constructive conflict resolution model- while managing the impact of internal and external shocks.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Public Policy
Volume 12, Issue 1
March 2026
Pages 190-208

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