Saudi Arabia-Iran tensions

Iran recently said that it was time the countries set aside their differences to confront militants.

“There are no more red lines left for terrorists to cross. Sunnis, Shias will both remain victims unless we stand united as one,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted.

He has been calling for rapprochement with Saudi Arabia, after years of rivalry climaxed in a breakdown of diplomatic relations in January.

That both Iran and Saudi Arabia can play the most significant role in lowering tensions in North Africa and the Middle East is a fact. Both the countries are therefore required to appreciate the fact that Tehran-Riyadh tensions are exacerbating the current Middle East turmoil. Pakistan made an effort, however modest, towards ending the Saudi Arabia-Iran stalemate in an effective and meaningful manner. Other Islamic countries, including Qatar, are required to exert similar pressure on the two Middle Eastern powers for greater peace in the region and beyond.

KARACHI NAQI ZAFAR