Iran-Saudi Relations Will Not Improve during King Salman’s Reign

Following the death of King Abdullah, Salman bin Abdulaziz, the 80 year-old prince, has come to power. There were many sideline issues in the Saudi court when he was prince and these issues will be more highlighted now that he is the king. Therefore, it can be said that the post-King Abdullah period will be one of the most difficult periods of this country because this country will be faced with both domestic and foreign challenges.

Although King Salman has stated that he will continue King Abdullah’s path, the question that is raised is, will the changes made by him change the previous path? When King Abdullah came to power, he made fundamental changes in the ruling system of this country. He appointed his loyal forces to the key posts; forces who are mainly from the Sudairi family which indicates a return to the Sudairi circle who have experienced power several times.

Salman bin Abdulaziz is the seventh king of Saudi Arabia who has come to power after the death of King Abdullah. The ailing 80 year-old Saudi King is one of the seven famous Sudairi brothers who have held power at different levels during the past years. King Salman was the Governor of Riyadh for 48 years and later became defense minister. His newest appointments indicate the presence of security forces inside the new government; Muqrin as Crown Prince and Muhammad bin Nayef as Deputy Crown Prince. These appointments show King Salman’s security approach. Furthermore, military cases have remained in the hands of King Salman because his son is now the Defense Minister and special advisor to the king and it is indicative of the continuation of the past policies of King Fahd in increasing military purchases.

But the main point is the presence of the third generation of King Abdulaziz’s children which will intensify family feuds. The general rule in Saudi Arabia is that the oldest son of the deceased king comes to power but now this rule has changed and this issue will dissatisfy the senior members of the third generation. But the presence of King Salman at the head of power could control domestic differences because he is experienced in such matters.

The other issue is that the new King of Saudi Arabia has common positions with the US and will step on the path which is drawn by Washington. The recent visit made by John McCain and seven other Republicans to Saudi Arabia shows the growing power of Republicans in the US aimed at strengthening relations with this country after the coming to power of King Salman. They believe that the strengthening of relations would lead to greater purchases from their military industry. Therefore, the relations between the US and Saudi Arabia will be founded on this approach. Republicans will not care about human rights issues and will not exert pressure on King Salman. But the question is, will the relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia improve during King Salman’s rule or not? It seems impossible that King Salman would attempt to reduce tensions with Iran with the presence of security forces in power unless domestic pressures, including security issues, force the new king to move towards regional cooperation in order to resolve problems.