Iran-Saudi rivalry

When it was clear that an agreement was possible to finalize the détente, China took the mantle of responsibility and the role of a direct mediator.

The major diplomatic breakthrough, negotiated in Beijing with China as mediator, is a demonstration of China's influence in the Middle East.

Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Riyadh resulted in a rare diplomatic rebuke from Tehran. 

Pakistan is drawing closer than ever to Saudi Arabia, with consequences for its relations with Iran.

Afghanistan won’t have peace unless its neighbors agree to stop their meddling.

Terrorism, political instability, and geopolitical rivalries threaten to complicate China's BRI in 2018.

Iran and Saudi Arabia are recruiting and radicalizing local Muslim populations in Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan.

Almost 3 years into Rouhani’s drive to normalize Iran’s relationships with its neighbors, Iran is as isolated as ever.

Xi Jinping tries to deepen ties with Iran, while not alienating Saudi Arabia.

By keeping a tight focus on bilateral ties, China hoped to avoid upsetting Iran during Xi's first trip to Saudi Arabia.

For the religious rivals, Afghanistan is another front in the fight for influence.