{"id":13572,"date":"2025-06-11T15:36:38","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T12:36:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/?p=13572"},"modified":"2025-06-11T15:36:40","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T12:36:40","slug":"an-analysis-of-ghassemians-offensive-remarks-against-saudi-arabia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/monitoring-and-translation\/reports\/an-analysis-of-ghassemians-offensive-remarks-against-saudi-arabia\/","title":{"rendered":"An Analysis of Ghassemian\u2019s Offensive Remarks Against Saudi Arabia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4e606e425af3de0e63075e9803699689\"><a><\/a><a>Saudi-Iranian ties \u2014 revived in 2023 after a years-long diplomatic freeze \u2014 have faced a fresh challenge following controversial remarks by Gholamreza Ghassemian, a cleric with close ties to Iran\u2019s supreme leader. His inflammatory and inaccurate comments about Islam\u2019s two holiest cities, Makkah and Medina, sparked backlash and risked straining the fragile trust between the two nations. While tensions could have escalated, swift diplomatic efforts helped contain the fallout. Riyadh emphasized its commitment to keeping the Hajj season focused on spiritual devotion and free from political agendas that could sow division among Muslims. For its part, Tehran remains eager to maintain and deepen its renewed engagement with Saudi Arabia, particularly given the broader regional pressures it currently faces.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The rapid resolution of the incident by both Saudi Arabia and Iran \u2014 culminating in the release and deportation of Ghassemian, despite Saudi Arabia\u2019s legal grounds to pursue his detention for breaching local laws \u2014 has raised several significant questions. Chief among these: Why did Ghassemian make such inflammatory remarks at this particular time? What explains the unusually sharp and widespread Iranian condemnation of the cleric, which included calls for his prosecution and praise for Saudi Arabia\u2019s management of the Hajj and protection of pilgrims \u2014 responses so strong that even some \u201chardliner\u201d figures have deemed these excessive?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Observers are also examining the deeper messages both nations sought to convey \u2014internally and to the international community \u2014 through their quick de-escalation of the controversy. The episode offers valuable insights into how Riyadh and Tehran are navigating their renewed diplomatic engagement, highlighting the political calculations, sensitivities and lessons that both sides are likely to draw from this test of their evolving relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ghassemian\u2019s Remarks: &nbsp;Context and Weight Within the Hawza<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On May 26, 2025, Saudi security forces arrested&nbsp; Ghassemian in Medina after he posted a controversial video that Saudi authorities described as provocative and defamatory toward the kingdom and its holy sites. In the video, Ghassemian made inflammatory claims, invoking historical references from the Umayyad period to allege that Makkah and Medina had become hubs of immorality. He <a href=\"https:\/\/www.france24.com\/ar\/\u0627\u0644\u0634\u0631\u0642-\u0627\u0644\u0623\u0648\u0633\u0637\/20250527-\u0637\u0647\u0631\u0627\u0646-\u0627\u0644\u0633\u0639\u0648\u062f\u064a\u0629-\u0627\u0639\u062a\u0642\u0627\u0644-\u0639\u0627\u0644\u0645-\u062f\u064a\u0646-\u0625\u064a\u0631\u0627\u0646\u064a-\u0627\u0644\u0645\u0645\u0644\u0643\u0629-\u062d\u062c-\u0633\u064a\u0627\u062d\u0629-\u0643\u062d\u0648\u0644\">stated<\/a> that people would now travel to the holy cities \u201cfor casinos, brothels, and vulgar concerts instead of going to Antalya,\u201d drawing sharp condemnation for what officials called baseless accusations and offensive rhetoric against Islam\u2019s most sacred places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ghassemian\u2019s Status in Iran<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Ghassemian is a prominent Iranian cleric bearing the title hojatoleslam, a designation that underscores his religious authority. He is reportedly close to Iran\u2019s supreme leader and is known for his hardline views and radical rhetoric. Ghassemian played a visible role in the attacks on the British and Saudi embassies in Tehran in 2011 and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.almashhad.com\/article\/773112298002792-News\/262359748320689-\u0645\u0646-\u0647\u0648-\u063a\u0644\u0627\u0645-\u0631\u0636\u0627-\u0642\u0627\u0633\u0645\u064a\u0627\u0646-\u0627\u0644\u0630\u064a-\u0627\u0639\u062a\u0642\u0644\u062a\u0647-\u0627\u0644\u0633\u0644\u0637\u0627\u062a-\u0627\u0644\u0633\u0639\u0648\u062f\u064a\u0629\/\">2016<\/a>. He has previously <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iranintl.com\/ar\/202505275571\">called<\/a> for the destruction of Israel and the \u201creconquest of Makkah,\u201d positions that reflect his ideological stance. In addition to his political activism, he has held several official roles, including head of the Iranian Parliament\u2019s Library and Document Center, and deputy director of the Tehran seminary. He has also been a regular presence on programming aired by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iranintl.com\/ar\/202505275571\">IRIB<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Ghassemian is also known to have close ties to the current Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. His worldview reflects a rigid, ideological perspective shaped by sectarian narratives. Observers note that he tends to interpret present-day events through the lens of historical disputes between Islamic sects, a mindset that not only fuels sectarian sentiment among his supporters and reinforces the ideological base of Iran\u2019s radical circles, but also reveals deeper convictions. These attitudes exemplify broader challenges facing Iran today \u2014 most notably, an intellectual stagnation tied to aging leadership and a religious discourse that many critics describe as inflexible and outdated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ghassemian and the Community of Clerics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many clerics in Iran tend to approach political issues through a strictly doctrinal lens, often prioritizing theological precepts over practical outcomes or strategic considerations. This stems from a religious education that frequently treats political viewpoints as fixed religious truths. In this context, the remarks made by figures like&nbsp; Ghassemian toward Saudi Arabia reflect a broader mindset within segments of the Iranian clerical establishment. To move beyond entrenched sectarian perceptions \u2014 particularly the negative view of Saudi Arabia and Sunnis \u2014 there must be deep structural reforms within the religious seminaries. These reforms would need to address not only educational content but also ethical and social frameworks. The true measure of the ruling elite\u2019s intentions lies in whether it genuinely promotes tolerance, inter-sectarian dialogue and acceptance of the other, including within the religious education system. Without such changes \u2014 such as revising curricula and guiding clerical behavior \u2014 efforts at political rapprochement risk being undermined by recurring sectarian rhetoric. And that is assuming these voices are merely personal views, not part of a deliberate strategy by elements within the ruling elite \u2014 perhaps aimed at testing the resilience of Saudi-Iranian ties, sending signals to domestic religious factions or applying diplomatic pressure through indirect means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Manifestations and Dimensions of Iranian Reactions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A close examination of Iranian reactions \u2014 across official channels, elites and segments of public opinion \u2014 to&nbsp; Ghassemian\u2019s statements reveals a noticeable shift in Iran\u2019s approach to managing its relations with Saudi Arabia. Compared to the period before the signing of the rapprochement agreement between the two countries, Iran\u2019s current response reflects a more measured and constructive stance. Ghassemian\u2019s remarks were swiftly and widely condemned in Iran. Critics not only rejected his claims but also questioned his motives, with some even calling for legal action against him. These reactions underscore a growing concern within Iran that such rhetoric could &nbsp;risk ongoing efforts between Riyadh and Tehran to build mutual trust, move past historical tensions and advance toward a new phase grounded in shared interests. Below are the most significant takeaways from the Iranian response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&nbsp;Rejecting Ghassemian\u2019s Remarks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first notable aspect of the Iranian response was the swift rejection of&nbsp; Ghassemian\u2019s claims by figures closely aligned with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Their rapid condemnation underscored a broader consensus that Ghassemian\u2019s narrative was baseless. Ali Saeedi, who heads the Ideological-Political Department in the Office of the Supreme Leader, <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/datdeltaboii\/status\/1928807745567768872\">criticized<\/a> Ghassemian for making statements that contradicted reality. Meanwhile, Hojatoleslam Ali Sarlak, an associate of \u201cconservative\u201d figure Saeed Jalili, went further by <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3HeNISQ\">calling<\/a> for Ghassemian\u2019s arrest and prosecution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This raises a key question: Why would Ghassemian deliberately make such inflammatory remarks, despite knowing the deep religious significance of Makkah and Medina for all Muslims and the global recognition of Saudi Arabia\u2019s efforts in serving pilgrims? The answer appears to lie in his alignment with \u201chardliner\u201d circles in Iran that remain opposed to restoring ties with Riyadh. His statements may have been intended to influence Iranian public opinion by tarnishing Saudi Arabia\u2019s image at a time when the Saudi model has been gaining popularity among Iranians \u2014 particularly youth, women and post-revolutionary generations \u2014 posing a challenge to the ideological dominance of the \u201chardliners.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ghassemian may also have been appealing to \u201cconservative\u201d audiences by advancing the notion that Iran is the spiritual center of the Islamic world \u2014 a narrative often echoed in \u201chardliner\u201d rhetoric. To reinforce this message, he invoked historical sectarian grievances, likening Saudi Arabia to the Umayyad state in an apparent attempt to stir Shiite sentiment and manufacture a new sectarian controversy. Lacking the intellectual or religious tools to counter the appeal of the evolving Saudi model, Ghassemian and like-minded figures have resorted to sectarian incitement and misinformation to shore up their influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Questioning the Motives of Ghassemian<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Ghassemian\u2019s motives have drawn widespread scrutiny within Iran, with many questioning the intent behind his <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/4kKlJcd\">controversial remarks<\/a>. Javad Imam, spokesman for the Reform Front, described Ghassemian as a polarizing figure and raised doubts about how such individuals are able to operate freely, asking why Iran\u2019s security agencies \u2014 typically known for closely monitoring activists \u2014 have shown limited concern for figures like him. Saeedi <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3SlBl9T\">suggested<\/a> that Ghassemian\u2019s actions may stem from personal or political motivations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Former &nbsp;lawmaker Jalal Rashidi Koji <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3T0bW5C\">criticized<\/a> the statements as intentionally provocative and damaging, implying that these were meant to impose political costs on Iran. Historian and researcher Majid Tafreshi denounced the remarks as reckless and alarming, warning that such rhetoric serves the interests of Iran\u2019s adversaries, including anti-Iranian voices in the West and Israel, and could undermine ongoing talks. Similarly, political commentator Ruhollah Jamei <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/43rzI0N\">described<\/a> the comments as calculated and inflammatory, designed to derail the normalization process between Tehran and Riyadh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&nbsp;Ghassemian\u2019s Narrative Opposing the Declared Official Iranian Stance Toward Saudi Arabia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Iranian authorities made clear that Ghassemian\u2019s remarks not only violated Saudi Arabia\u2019s laws but also contradicted Iran\u2019s official foreign policy, prompting several senior figures \u2014 despite his reputed closeness to the supreme leader \u2014 to distance themselves from him. Officials emphasized that his statements were personal and did not reflect the state\u2019s position toward the kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref <a href=\"https:\/\/dolat.ir\/detail\/464041\">reaffirmed<\/a> that strengthening ties with neighboring countries is a core principle of Iran\u2019s foreign policy and warned that Ghassemian\u2019s comments risk damaging these improving relations. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also denounced the remarks, reiterating Iran\u2019s commitment to deepening relations with Saudi Arabia, which he described as central to Tehran\u2019s regional strategy. He <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/4mCZ17l\">emphasized<\/a> that Iran would not permit any disruption to this path. Likewise, Judiciary Spokesman Asghar Jahangir <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3T0bW5C\">stated<\/a> that Ghassemian\u2019s statements run counter to the diplomatic approach Iran is pursuing under the guidance of the supreme leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Trying Ghassemian Is an Iranian Necessity and Interest<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Calls for&nbsp; Ghassemian to face trial in Iran intensified, not only due to the controversial nature of his statements but also because of what many viewed as a blatant violation of Saudi Arabia\u2019s laws and customs. Ehsan Ebadi, a scholar at the Mahdaviya Foundation, <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/43rzI0N\">criticized<\/a> Ghassemian for disregarding the kingdom\u2019s legal norms, noting that such behavior contradicts the guidance of Ayatollah Khomeini \u2014 who once refrained from performing <em>udhiyah<\/em> (the ritual slaughter of animals, typically sheep, goats, cows, or camels, performed by Muslims during Eid al-Adha) in Paris out of respect for French local regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/45pRHG4\">commentary<\/a> published by Asr Iran, the author posed a pointed question: What if a foreign visitor to Iran had filmed a video in front of the Imam Reza shrine, making offensive remarks about Iranian leaders, and then shared it online \u2014 would Iranian authorities have reacted with tolerance or responded as decisively as Saudi security forces did? The article concluded that, as a guest, Ghassemian had a responsibility to respect the host country\u2019s rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second concern centers on the potential damage Ghassemian\u2019s statements could inflict on Iran\u2019s national interests. Iranian decision-makers recognize the heavy costs incurred during the period of estrangement with Saudi Arabia and view maintaining relations as crucial. Mohammad Mahdi Shahriari, a member of the Iranian Parliament\u2019s National Security Committee, <a href=\"https:\/\/akharinkhabar.ir\/politics\/10531045\/%D8%B9%D8%B6%D9%88-%DA%A9%D9%85%DB%8C%D8%B3%DB%8C%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D9%85%D9%84%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%B3-%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%B9%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85%D9%88%D9%85-%D8%B9%D9%84%DB%8C%D9%87-%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA-%D8%B4%D8%AF%D9%87-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AC%D8%B1%D9%85-%DA%A9%D9%86%D8%AF\">asserted<\/a> that Ghassemian\u2019s remarks undermine national security and impose significant burdens on the country and its citizens, warranting legal accountability. An article published on the Asr Iran website <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/45pRHG4\">echoed<\/a> this stance, calling for Ghassemian to face trial in Iran following his release from Saudi custody, sending a clear message that actions harming the state and its people carry consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Harmony Between the Official and Popular Stances<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Iran\u2019s condemnation of Ghassemian\u2019s controversial remarks resonated beyond official circles, sparking a wave of criticism on <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3HdASEf\">social media<\/a>. Many users expressed frustration, urging against glorifying someone whose actions could inflict heavy costs on Iran and its government. Popular comments questioned whether Iranians would tolerate a foreigner recording offensive content within their own borders, invoking Khomeini\u2019s example of deferring to French law as a show of respect. Calls were made for Ghassemian\u2019s immediate return to Iran and trial on charges of undermining national security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fundamentalist political activist Abbas Salimi dismissed claims that Ghassemian\u2019s arrest in Saudi Arabia was driven by anti-Shiite bias. He <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iscanews.ir\/news\/1269170\/%D8%A7%D8%B8%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B4%D8%AE%D8%B5%DB%8C-%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%85%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B2%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%88-%D9%85%DA%A9%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A8-%D9%85%D8%B7%D8%B1%D8%AD-%D8%B4%D8%AF-%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C\">clarified<\/a> that the kingdom would have taken similar action against anyone \u2014 Sunni or otherwise \u2014 who made comparable inflammatory statements, emphasizing Saudi Arabia\u2019s strict enforcement of rules to safeguard pilgrims and maintain Hajj security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reiterating the Saudi Administration of Pilgrimage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Iran\u2019s foreign minister <a href=\"https:\/\/www.entekhab.ir\/fa\/news\/868475\/%D9%88%D8%A7%DA%A9%D9%86%D8%B4-%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%DA%86%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%85%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D9%87%DB%8C%DA%86%DA%A9%D8%B3-%D8%A7%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B2%D9%87-%D9%86%D9%85%DB%8C%E2%80%8C%D8%AF%D9%87%DB%8C%D9%85-%DA%A9%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D9%85%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%B1-%D8%B1%D9%88-%D8%A8%D9%87%E2%80%8C-%D8%AC%D9%84%D9%88%DB%8C-%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B7-%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D8%B1%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B6-%D8%A2%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%A8-%D8%A8%D8%B2%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D8%B5%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AD%D8%AA-%DA%A9%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%D9%87%D8%B1%DA%AF%D9%88%D9%86%D9%87-%D8%AA%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B4-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%B6%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%B2%D8%AF%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D9%88%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%AA-%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D9%85%D8%AD%DA%A9%D9%88%D9%85-%D9%85%DB%8C%E2%80%8C%DA%A9%D9%86%D8%AF-%D9%85%D8%AF%DB%8C%D8%B1%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D8%B4%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%87-%D9%88-%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A2%D9%85%D8%AF-%D8%AD%D8%AC-%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%A8%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AC-%D9%85%DB%8C%E2%80%8C%D9%86%D9%87%DB%8C%D9%85\">praised<\/a> the kingdom\u2019s efficient and effective organization in an X post. Iran\u2019s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ali Reza Enayati <a href=\"https:\/\/www.entekhab.ir\/fa\/news\/868418\/%D9%88%D8%A7%DA%A9%D9%86%D8%B4-%D8%AA%D9%84%D9%88%DB%8C%D8%AD%DB%8C-%D8%B3%D9%81%DB%8C%D8%B1-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B1%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B6-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B2%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA-%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%85%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%87%DB%8C%DA%86%E2%80%8C%DA%A9%D8%B3-%D8%B3%D8%AE%D9%86-%DB%8C%D8%A7-%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%87%DB%8C%D9%86%E2%80%8C%D8%A2%D9%85%DB%8C%D8%B2-%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D9%86%D9%85%DB%8C%E2%80%8C%D9%BE%D8%B0%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%AF\">noted<\/a> that Saudi efforts are fully dedicated to serving all pilgrims, with special attention to Iranian visitors, while urging Iranian pilgrims to adhere to Saudi laws. Former Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/43zCyzA\">expressed<\/a> appreciation on X, &nbsp;recognizing Saudi officials\u2019 important role in serving the Two Holy Mosques. Meanwhile, Ali Reza Bayat, head of Iran\u2019s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/43nwx8M\">reported<\/a> that over 68,000 Iranian pilgrims arrived smoothly and on schedule, commending Saudi Arabia\u2019s hospitality and cooperation throughout the pilgrimage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, Iran\u2019s \u201chardliner\u201d faction views Ghassemian\u2019s statements as a legitimate exercise of personal freedom, even if it involves \u201cspreading falsehoods.\u201d Ironically, this same group tightly restricts freedom of expression within Iran, suppressing any criticism of the authorities. Intellectuals have been arrested simply for sharing scholarly or historical viewpoints unrelated to the government\u2019s current stance. A notable example is Sayyed Ali Asghar Gharavi, detained after publishing an article questioning whether Imam Ali was a political ruler or primarily a spiritual model. In his piece, Gharavi argued that governance during Imam Ali\u2019s time was based on allegiance and consensus rather than formal appointment or religious guardianship. Dozens of other thinkers have faced similar arrests in this repressive environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Significations of the Iranian and Saudi Positions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The swift handling of the incident by both Saudi Arabia and Iran highlights several key points:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A Mutual Commitment to Improving Ties<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both countries appear eager to sustain and deepen their relationship, favoring a stable and mutually beneficial peace. This approach aims to advance shared interests, maximize benefits, end regional and international political pressures on both sides and contribute to overall regional stability rather than prolonging a costly conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two main factors underpin this shift:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, the significant losses both nations endured during their estrangement \u2014 particularly Iran \u2014 due to Saudi Arabia\u2019s success in rallying influential international actors against Iran\u2019s expansionist ambitions, which threaten Arab and Gulf security. Iran has faced isolation, blockades and harsh sanctions that have weakened its internal cohesion and strained the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Second, the tangible gains from restored relations: the agreement has ended Iran\u2019s regional isolation and the international campaign aimed at curbing the ruling establishment\u2019s behavior. It has also undercut Israel\u2019s overtures toward Saudi Arabia as a frontline state against Iranian influence. For Saudi Arabia, the deal has broken the cycle of draining conflicts, lowered costs and eased security pressures originating from Iran-backed arenas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Neighbors\u2019 Ability to Manage Emerging Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the Saudi-Iranian agreement was signed, some issues have arisen, such as the controversy over a picture of Qassem Soleimani in the meeting room with the Saudi foreign minister in Iran, the unveiling of a statue of Soleimani in a stadium in Isfahan and the arrest of a media correspondent in Medina during last year\u2019s Hajj for attempting to make unauthorized recordings. Despite these incidents, the most important test of both countries\u2019 commitment to their renewed ties has been their ability to prevent these problems from damaging relations, even as regional conflicts erupted. Both sides have largely respected the agreement\u2019s core provisions and militias have refrained from targeting Saudi interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Iran in Light of Saudi Arabia\u2019s Growing Regional and International Influence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Iran closely observes Saudi Arabia\u2019s expanding influence at both regional and global levels. Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key player attracting the attention of major powers competing for global leadership. This rise stems from its substantial capabilities, diplomatic and economic leverage, balanced policies and dedication to peaceful diplomacy. Saudi Arabia has become central to maintaining international balances, contributing significantly to regional security frameworks and the resolution of regional and international conflicts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This prominent role explains why Iran remains committed to good relations with Riyadh and the frequent visits by Iranian officials to the kingdom. Most recently, Iran\u2019s &nbsp;foreign minister visited Riyadh as part of a Gulf tour that included the UAE, Qatar and Oman, shortly before a US presidential visit to the region. During this visit in May 2025, the Iranian foreign minister <a href=\"http:\/\/alwaght.net\/en\/News\/265206\/Messages-of-Iran-FM%E2%80%99s-Saudi-Visit-ahead-of-Trump%E2%80%99s-Regional-Tour\">highlighted<\/a> Saudi Arabia\u2019s crucial role in sustaining any potential Western agreement on the nuclear issue and underscored coordination with Riyadh as a top priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Iran is acutely aware of Saudi Arabia\u2019s growing global impact on regional and international affairs. Consequently, Tehran seeks to avoid tensions with Riyadh that could risk &nbsp;progress in nuclear negotiations with the West. Iran also avoids aligning itself with factions that promote international military action against it, especially as it urgently needs&nbsp; sanctions relief deal to address internal crises caused by blockade, isolation and sanctions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At this pivotal moment, Iran faces significant setbacks in the Middle East and depends on Saudi Arabia and its neighbors to deter a possible military strike against its strategic infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion, Findings and the Future of Bilateral Ties<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The swift efforts by both Saudi Arabia and Iran to resolve the issue at the outset and prevent its escalation into a major dispute reflect several significant outcomes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Both neighbors are determined to develop bilateral relations and ensure the success of the Saudi-Iranian agreement at this stage \u2014 unless future developments trigger a strategic shift by one or both parties, especially considering the Iranian establishment\u2019s enduring principles, constants and foreign policy orientations, which could resurface if regional conditions allow Iran to regain strength.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00a0Signs are emerging within various levels of Iranian society \u2014 official, popular and elite \u2014 rejecting the radical voices and ideas that once caused the rupture with Saudi Arabia. During that phase, Iran bore a heavy cost due to international isolation and sanctions. This shift may also be driven by the geopolitical losses Iran has recently suffered in the region.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Saudi Arabia\u2019s arrest of Ghassemian reinforces the message that normalizing relations means respecting Saudi security, laws and identity. Restoring ties does not imply overlooking strict enforcement of the law against violations, while Saudi Arabia maintains its commitment to preserving the Hajj purely as a religious observance, free from political or sectarian agendas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Saudi Arabia recognizes and values the principle of \u201cregional and international peacemaking,\u201d pursuing a \u201cprofitable peace\u201d that breaks the cycle of exhausting conflicts. As a growing hub for resolving not only regional but also international disputes, the kingdom cannot allow problems like the Ghassemian incident to hinder this progress, since investing in peace benefits all parties involved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>By consistently overcoming challenges, bilateral relations can strengthen and pave the way for deeper cooperation \u2014 provided Iran continues moving away from narrow ideological approaches to regional issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The selection of a controversial figure like Ghassemian to make offensive remarks during the Hajj season suggests that \u201chardliners\u201d in Iran may aim to stir tensions during this sacred period, resisting Saudi religious leadership over a ritual considered fundamental to Islam, which could also undermine the stature of the marjaya.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Iran\u2019s reactions indicate that its authorities will uphold Saudi red lines firmly, at least temporarily, showing pragmatic flexibility amid a phase of geopolitical weakness marked by Israeli threats against Iranian strategic sites. The kingdom\u2019s increasing strategic importance to the United States was evident during President Donald Trump\u2019s recent visit, which Iran previously exploited rhetorically during times of estrangement. However, at this current stage, it appears Iran has learned from the severe losses caused by hostility toward Saudi Arabia\u2019s rising regional and global status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nonetheless, given the Iranian ruling establishment\u2019s entrenched ideological constants and its historical pattern of behavior toward regional Arab and Gulf states \u2014particularly regarding the sensitive Hajj issue frequently addressed in Khamenei\u2019s speeches \u2014 it is clear that Iran often adopts a pragmatic, flexible stance when weak, as now. But this is usually temporary; once conditions improve, the establishment tends to revert to its ideological agenda and positions, which remains the fundamental challenge in dealing with the Iranian issue.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Saudi-Iranian ties \u2014 revived in 2023 after a years-long diplomatic freeze \u2014 have faced a fresh challenge following controversial remarks by Gholamreza Ghassemian, a cleric with close ties to Iran\u2019s supreme leader. His inflammatory and inaccurate comments about Islam\u2019s two holiest cities, Makkah and Medina, sparked backlash and risked straining the fragile trust between the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":13573,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13572","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-reports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13572","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13572"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13572\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13574,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13572\/revisions\/13574"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13573"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13572"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13572"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13572"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}