Iran's Failed Attempt to Persuade Saudi Arabia to Abandon Israel

The recent phone call between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi may suggest a potential alignment between the two countries in supporting Hamas against Israel. However, a closer look reveals that the leaders were talking past each other. While Saudi Arabia seeks peace with Israel and integration into the global economy, Iran's goal is to destroy Israel and dominate the Middle East. Iran may have instigated Hamas to attack Israel out of fear that Saudi-Israeli normalization talks would progress. The Iranian regime warns against normalizing ties with Israel, claiming it will lead to the collapse of Gulf governments. The United States and European powers have declared Hamas a terrorist organization and support Israel's right to defend itself, with the hope that Arab-Israeli peace and Middle East integration will resume once Israel's defense is complete. Despite appearances, Saudi Arabia remains aligned with the West and seeks a military treaty with the US and normalization of relations with Israel.