Iran, Trump Shadow Saudi Muslim Gathering

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Post on Nov 12, 2024

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Iran's Shadow Looms Large Over Saudi-Hosted Muslim Gathering Amid Trump's Absence

The 43rd session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, unfolded against a backdrop of simmering regional tensions, marked by the absence of a key player: the United States. President Donald Trump's decision to skip the summit, which was originally scheduled for May but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has left a vacuum in the regional power dynamics, allowing Iran to assert its influence.

While the summit focused on issues like the Palestinian cause, combating terrorism, and economic development, the specter of Iran loomed large. The absence of American leadership, seen by many as a key factor in the US's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, emboldened Iran to publicly criticize its regional rivals, namely Saudi Arabia. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, addressing the summit virtually, accused Saudi Arabia of "weaponizing religion" and fueling sectarian tensions in the region.

The summit's focus on combating terrorism and promoting peace further fueled tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Both countries have engaged in proxy wars and supported different factions in ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon. While Saudi Arabia, with the backing of the US, has sought to contain Iran's regional influence, the absence of American leadership has allowed Iran to gain more traction.

The OIC meeting underscored the changing dynamics in the Middle East. The absence of the US, coupled with Iran's assertiveness, points towards a new era of regional instability, driven by complex power struggles and competing interests. While Saudi Arabia, through its hosting of the summit, seeks to maintain its leadership role in the Islamic world, the vacuum left by the US and Iran's growing influence present a significant challenge to its regional ambitions.

The summit's outcome, however, remains uncertain. The lack of concrete agreements or initiatives leaves room for further escalation in the already volatile region. The US's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and its subsequent sanctions on Iran have further complicated the situation, leaving the Middle East in a precarious state of flux.

The OIC meeting served as a platform for regional powers to express their grievances and assert their influence. The absence of the US and Iran's assertive presence highlight the growing complexities in the region, further fueling anxieties about a future marked by continued instability and power struggles.