Damascus (IP)- China has played a historic role in the Middle East after succeeding in brokering an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, ending a years-long rift between the two countries, a Syrian political expert has said.

Iran PressMiddle East: Such an effort may positively reflect on almost all the current regional crises, Osama Danura emphasized, as Xinhua reported. 

As announced by China, Saudi Arabia, and Iran on Friday, the latter two have reached a deal that includes the agreement to resume diplomatic relations and reopen embassies and missions within two months, after talks in Beijing from March 6 to 10.

Syrian analysts said that fixing the broken Saudi-Iran ties is critical to stabilizing the region, and that's why China's role in bringing the two countries together is seen as "historic."

"We are talking about an effective presence of China for the first time in the history of this region as a patron of an understanding, or a disengagement of a strategic clash between two important regional countries," said Osama Danura, a Damascus-based Syrian political analyst. 

Restoring Tehran-Riyadh ties; Signal of the US's waning influence

Danura said that China was able to make this significant achievement thanks to its balanced relations with both countries.

In regard to the impact on Syria, Danura said the reconciliation could positively reflect on the 12-year-long crisis in the country. A possible detente between Syria and Saudi Arabia could be ushered in, Xinhua cited as he added.

Mohammad al-Omari, a Syrian political expert, said that China realizes the importance of reducing the provocations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in mediating their dialogue, which would positively reflect on finding solutions to the crises in different parts of the region, such as in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen.

"China has one of the most influential political actors in facilitating mediation and resolving disputes," he said.

He stressed that resuming the ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia is crucial to boosting security and stability and reducing regional tension. 

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