Saudi Arabia has discussed the idea of a non-aggression pact between Middle East states and Iran as part of talks with allies on how to manage regional tensions once the US-Israeli war with the Islamic republic ends, diplomats said.
Riyadh is eyeing as a potential model the 1970s Helsinki Process that eased tensions in Europe during the cold war, said two western diplomats, as the region anticipates a postwar Iran that is weakened but still poses a threat to its neighbours. They added that the non-aggression pact was among various ideas being considered.
Gulf states in particular have been concerned since the US and Israel launched the war against Iran that they would be left with a wounded, more hawkish Islamic regime on their doorstep once the conflict ends and the large American military presence in the region is scaled back.