Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen embassies after seven years of tensions.

This historic breakthrough was made possible by China, which hosted the talks between the two sides.

Saudi Arabia cut ties with Iran in 2016 after demonstrators stormed its embassy in Tehran, in response to Riyadh’s execution of a prominent Shia Muslim cleric. Since then, tensions between the two nations have remained high, with each side viewing the other as a threatening power seeking regional dominance.

Chinese senior diplomat Wang Yi congratulated the two sides on taking this important step forward, emphasizing China’s support for their efforts in strengthening ties.

What has led to this significant development? For this question and much more, host Zhao Ying is joined by Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow with the Taihe Institute, and Dr. Wang Jin, Associate Professor at Northwest University in Xi'an, China.