China’s Growing Gulf Influence

Agreement brokered between Iran and Saudi Arabia mirrors US’s loss of sway

The story of China’s stunning diplomatic coup in achieving a measure of détente between Iran and Saudi Arabia has to be seen in the light of a history that began 25 years ago, when then-Iranian President Mohamed Khatami began a dialogue with Saudi Arabia which saw him visit the kingdom the following year.

Though the liberal Khatami, now age 79, is now s…