Remarks
In the Mideast, the Enemy of My Enemy Can Still Be My Enemy
Saudi Arabia and Iran battle each other via proxies, but their rivalry has trigger points for more direct conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz, between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, as seen from the International Space Station. The Strait of Hormuz runs between Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Source: Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
In April 2008, Iran’s then-Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki flew to Riyadh to meet with Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah. It did not go well.
Mottaki was seeking better relations with his country’s chief regional rival. Instead he got a lecture from the king about Tehran’s interference in Palestinian affairs. But “these are Muslims,” Mottaki responded, according to U.S. diplomatic cables made public by WikiLeaks. “No, Arabs,” replied the king. “You as Persians have no business meddling in Arab affairs.” The king said Mottaki had one year to improve ties.