On the night of September 1, 2023, Iranian households experienced something truly extraordinary – a live broadcast of a Saudi Pro League soccer game. This was a significant moment considering the historical animosity between the two nations, which prevented their football teams from playing each other. However, times have changed, and so has the dynamics of their relationship.
The match, filled with talented players and incredible goals, lived up to its expectations. One particular goal by Karim Benzema left the Iranian sportscaster in awe, emphasizing the player’s full name, Karim Mostafa Benzema, with reverence. The game ended with seven goals exchanged, with Aleksandar Mitrović’s goal being almost as impressive as Benzema’s. It was truly a classic and a perfect example of why soccer is called “the beautiful game.”
The Iranian spectators took to social media to express their amazement at what they had just witnessed on their state television. One fan even admitted to choosing the Saudi league game over a match between Rome and Milan. Such was the brilliance of the game that fans from the Gulf port city of Bushehr, known for its atomic reactor, called it one of the best classics they had ever seen.
For Iranian fans to forego a top Italian professional league game, the Saudi league match had to promise an exceptional experience. What made it even more remarkable was that it wasn’t a match from LaLiga or the Premier League, but rather between two Saudi teams. Fans marveled at the beauty of Saudi football, a sight they never thought they would witness.
The decision to broadcast Saudi league soccer and engage Iranian fans was not a casual one for the Islamic Republic. It signifies a significant shift in Tehran’s orientation, one that caught many off guard. The deteriorating relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran took a sharp turn for the worse in 2016, leading to severed diplomatic ties and subsequent proxy conflicts in the region. However, China’s mediation in March 2023 resulted in a surprising reconciliation between the two nations.
The reconciliation didn’t stop at political negotiations; it extended to various aspects of Iranian public life, including television programming. A popular Iranian spy series, Safe House, aired in 2020, featuring a storyline involving a Saudi notable with a long, distinguished, yet anti-Iranian career. After the reconciliation, the series was edited to remove any mention of the Saudi figure. Government-backed media outlets also covered this sudden change.
Even ultraconservative government newspapers that were vehemently against the Saudis had a change of heart. Promises of exchanging ambassadors were fulfilled, and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian even expressed support for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host a world’s fair. Arab News, a significant English-language Saudi paper, dedicated its front page to celebrating the Persian New Year. A comprehensive sit-down between the Arab states and Iran was scheduled, showcasing the new willingness for dialogue.
For Iran, this reconciliation has brought much-needed hard currency. The breakdown in relations had negatively impacted Iran’s tourism industry, with a decline in visitors from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations visiting pilgrimage sites and tourist destinations in Iran. The reestablishment of ties means a potential revival of this tourism sector.
The unexpected reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia can be seen as a result of changing global dynamics. The United States’ withdrawal from the Middle East, conflicts in Ukraine, and the ramping up of tensions between the US and China may have forced a reevaluation of priorities. Iran and Saudi Arabia found themselves with the same neighbors and shared interests, making reconciliation a logical choice.
The Islamic Republic of Iran sees this reconciliation as a positive development. Iranian soccer fans, in particular, are excited about the prospect of watching legendary players such as Benzema, Ronaldo, Neymar, Mane, and eventually Salah play on Iranian soil during Asia’s AFC Champions League matches. The Saudi league has given Iranian fans a gift, a chance to witness greatness and engage with football in a way they hadn’t expected.
Iran and Saudi Arabia are ancient civilizations, well-versed in the fickleness of history and geopolitical alignments. Fans in Iranian cities still hold on to pictures of Iranian “martyrs” from the Bosnian War, but they are also eager for the arrival of Serbian striker Mitrović, who plays for a Saudi club. These shifting allegiances and connections show the resilience and adaptability of both nations.
Recently, the heads of the Iranian and Saudi soccer federations agreed that their teams could play on each other’s turf, paving the way for future encounters. As traditional powerhouses of Asian soccer, Iran and Saudi Arabia will undoubtedly meet again, both on the field and outside. Football has the power to bring people together, even across contentious waters.
The reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia is a testament to the power of dialogue and the ever-changing landscape of global politics. It is a reminder that even historical adversaries can find common ground and work towards a more peaceful future.
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