As reported by , Saudi Arabia has never formally objected to the international deal restricting Iran’s nuclear programme andending sanctions. But it watched with anxiety and irritation as Barack Obama pursued the historic agreement, complaining of the appeasement of an untrustworthy enemy at the expense of a loyal American ally.

Billions of dollars were wiped off Saudi and other Gulf stocks the moment the Islamic republic returned to world oil markets – at time when low prices are taking a heavy toll on the Saudis and forcing them to undertake unprecedented economic reforms. Their larger fear is thatIran, flush with new revenues, will be emboldened to intensify its activities across an already violent and unstable Middle East.

For similar reasons to Israel, Saudi Arabia has good reason to fear a resurgent post-sanctions Iran pursuing its policies unhindered across the region, though both often appear to exaggerate the dangers.

bbabo.Net