Developments can happen rapidly in the Middle East, as evidenced by recent events. Despite rumors that Israel and Saudi Arabia were moving closer, Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to restore diplomatic relations. The warming relations between Israel and various Gulf countries have largely been due to their shared hostility towards Iran. After a seven-year break in ties, Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to reopen embassies in each other's capitals within two months.

This agreement was reached in Beijing and brokered by China,  to mend relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which suggests  a temporary rearrangement of the alliances and rivalries, sidelining the involvement of Washington. The United States, has been the main player in the Middle East for the past 75 years and usually present during important events, now observes from the sidelines during a time of significant shifts. Meanwhile, China, previously played a minor role in the region, has become an active player. Israel, aligning with Saudi Arabia against Iran, is now uncertain about its position in light of the recent changes.

State media in Iran has shared pictures and videos of Ali Shamkhani, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, along with Saudi National Security Adviser Musaad bin Mohammed al-Aiban and China's senior diplomat Wang Yi. According to Iranian state TV, the foreign ministers of the two countries will meet to prepare for the exchange of ambassadors . Wang congratulated both sides on their "wisdom" and said that China fully supports the agreement, adding that both countries had shown sincerity. According to the statement, Riyadh, Tehran, and Beijing expressed their eagerness to work together to improve global and regional peace and security. Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, reportedly described the discussions in Beijing as transparent, comprehensive, and constructive, and emphasized that reducing misunderstandings between Tehran and Riyadh will improve regional stability and security while fostering greater cooperation between the Persian Gulf nations and the wider Islamic world in dealing with the present challenges.