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Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reached out to Saudi Arabia for assistance in ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. A significant meeting is set to take place in Saudi Arabia, bringing together senior Russian officials and key figures from the U.S. Defense Department. However, one striking aspect of this mediation effort is the exclusion of Ukraine and its President, Volodymyr Zelensky, from the discussions. This raises a larger, more critical question—why is Saudi Arabia being trusted as the primary mediator? What makes it the top contender for facilitating peace talks?
Saudi Arabia’s Track Record in Mediation
The answer lies in Saudi Arabia’s strong history of successful mediation. The country has played a crucial role in resolving several major conflicts, including the Iran-Iraq war and the recent Israel-Hamas conflict. Time and again, it has positioned itself as a key diplomatic force capable of brokering peace.
Role in the Iran-Iraq War
The Iran-Iraq war, which began in the 1980s, dragged on for years with devastating consequences. However, by 2022, both nations sat down for negotiations in Saudi Arabia, ultimately leading to the war’s cessation. Saudi Arabia's mediation not only helped restore diplomatic relations between Iran and Iraq but also paved the way for renewed trade and economic ties.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in the Iran-U.S. Nuclear Deal
Saudi Arabia has also played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in negotiations between the United States and Iran over nuclear weapons. In 2015, a landmark agreement was reached that required Iran to halt its nuclear tests in exchange for American support. However, when Trump took office, he withdrew from the deal, reigniting tensions. Saudi Arabia once again stepped in, working discreetly to restore dialogue and prevent further escalation.
Mediation in the Israel-Hamas Conflict
The long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas took a severe turn in 2023 when a violent attack triggered full-scale war. In the effort to restore peace, Saudi Arabia played a leading role in bringing together key nations, including Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt. This ultimately led to a ceasefire agreement between the warring sides.
Why Saudi Arabia Is a Preferred Mediator
Saudi Arabia’s ability to mediate even the most complex global conflicts stems from its balanced diplomatic strategy. While maintaining strong ties with the United States, it has never alienated Russia or China. This neutrality allows it to act as a credible intermediary in major disputes.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s status as a leading oil supplier gives it significant global influence. Its economic and strategic clout makes it a powerful negotiator, capable of persuading conflicting parties to come to the table.
Can Saudi Arabia End the Russia-Ukraine War?
While Saudi Arabia’s influence is undeniable, the Russia-Ukraine war presents unique challenges. One major obstacle is Ukraine’s exclusion from the mediation efforts. Without Ukraine’s direct involvement, any potential peace deal could be difficult to enforce.
Nonetheless, Saudi Arabia's diplomatic leverage and history of successful mediations suggest that it could still play a crucial role in shaping the future of the conflict. Whether it can bring Russia and Ukraine to an agreement remains to be seen, but its involvement marks a significant step toward global peace efforts.
