A N A LY S I S PEACE AND SECURITY RECONCILING RIVALS Exploring the Implications of Détente Between Iran and Saudi Arabia David Jalilvand and Marcus Schneider(eds.) May 2024 Iranian-Saudi reconciliation, facilitated by China, marks a significant turning point, pausing the escalation of the two countries’ rivalry. It also reflects broader geopolitical shifts and Beijing’s evolving role in shaping the Middle East’s affairs. Europe, the United States and Russia found themselves sidelined, forced to observe rather than actively participate in a critical development in the Middle East. For Europe, the rapprochement poses a serious dilemma as Europeans need to strike a delicate balance between supporting diplomacy in the region without overlooking or tacitly endorsing the autocratic practices of Iran and Saudi Arabia.