On Thursday, January 22, 2025, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister visited Beirut, Lebanon to reinstate a diplomatic relationship with Lebanon for the first time in 15 years. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud is meeting with Lebanon’s newly elected President, Joseph Aoun, and Prime Minister-designate, Nawaf Salam in hopes to support a reformed Lebanese government. Saudi Arabia loaned billions of dollars to Lebanon in 2006 to support rebuilding after the Hezbollah-Israel war, but started to back out of the relationship after Hezbollah gained the support of Iran. The deputy editor-in-chief at Annahar newspaper, Nabil Boumonsef, has stated that due to the defeat of Hezbollah, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon once again have common interests in Syria and both countries would benefit from a stronger relationship.
Iran and Saudi Arabia had been fighting for dominance in the Middle East, however, due to Iran supporting Hezbollah, Saudi Arabia became hostile and distant to Lebanon, cutting off diplomatic ties with the country. With Saudi Arabia taking away funding to the central bank in Lebanon, the Lebanese economy struggled. This restoration of friendship between the two countries will result in Lebanon gaining access to the resources and funds needed to restore their government. However, this might also lead to Lebanon helping Saudi Arabia with supporting rebel groups in Syria. This could create more tensions between Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Iran.
Lebanon should be open to the conditions Saudi Arabia has for opening up diplomatic relations. This will be good for their promise of reform throughout their government. Iran is going to need to prepare Syria for a possible attack sometime in this decade if Lebanon becomes powerful enough to be able to back Saudi Arabia. This alliance could also help Saudi Arabia fix their economy.
This article connects to what we are discussing in class because of how your geography affects your foreign policy. It is in Saudi Arabia’s best interest to reconnect diplomatic ties with Lebanon because they are in close proximity to both Syria and Iran. This will help Saudi Arabia re-establish influence in the Middle East and further rival Iran. Gaining more alliances in the Middle East will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s credibility as a power in the region.