Tehran and Riyadh are talking to each other again – and now want to be represented with embassies in each other's states. The great powers are actually regional rivals, and rapprochement could result in major upheavals.
Iran and Saudi Arabia are struggling for political and military influence in the region. Both countries are on different sides in conflicts that have plagued the region for years, above all the civil wars in Yemen and Syria. In addition, Saudi Arabia has always sharply criticized Iran for its nuclear program.