The Impact of China’s Mediation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia on Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Policy Shift toward the Islamic Republic of Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mohammadreza Hatamvand ^{1 ¶}

Rahmat Hajimineh ²

Nozar Shafiee ³

¹ Ph.D Student of International Relations, NT.C., Islamic Azad University Tehran, Iran.

² Associate Professor of International Relations, Department of Law, ET.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

³ Associate Professor of International Relations, Department of Regional Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

10.22067/irlip.2026.93611.1671

Abstract

This article examines the impact of China’s mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia on the redefinition of Riyadh’s stance toward the new talks between Iran and the United States. The primary research question addresses how China’s mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia influences Riyadh’s position regarding these renewed Iran-US dialogues. Grounded in the theoretical framework of constructivism and employing a qualitative descriptive-analytical methodology, the central hypothesis posits that China’s 2023 mediation—as a non-Western power utilizing economic and security tools—has facilitated Saudi Arabia’s identity shift from one of “absolute hostility” to “conditional rivalry” with Iran. This transition has redefined the traditional pattern of confrontation between Iran and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East and brought about a significant change in Riyadh’s approach toward the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). The findings indicate that China’s role has not only transformed Middle Eastern security dynamics but also reshaped traditional identity patterns in the bilateral relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia, contributing to a reduction in direct tensions between the two countries. This transformation suggests that the moderation of confrontational strategies between Iran and Saudi Arabia has created greater flexibility for Riyadh in its approach to the new Iran-US talks.

Keywords

China

Constructivism

Saudi Arabia

Iran

United States

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