Saudi Arabia has not sent any representative to the state funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, drawing renewed attention to the dynamics of the two countries’ relationship.
A report by House of Saud, published on Thursday, noted that barely a year ago, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan had personally traveled to Iran to attend the funeral of President Ibrahim Raisi. That visit was seen as a significant step forward in the China-brokered Saudi-Iran normalization process.
Analysts cited several geopolitical factors behind Saudi Arabia’s absence. While the normalization process between the two countries has been underway, regional security concerns, military conflicts, and mutual suspicion have not been fully resolved, they said.
Tensions remain over Yemen and other proxy conflicts. Meanwhile, ongoing diplomatic talks and mediation processes have stalled.
Analysts said Saudi Arabia’s absence was not merely a procedural decision but reflected the ongoing power balance and trust deficit in the Middle East. On one hand, the process of normalizing ties with Iran continues; on the other, Saudi Arabia’s strategic relationship with the United States and Western allies remains equally important. A high-level presence at a politically sensitive event in Iran could create a complex diplomatic situation for Riyadh, they said.
Iranian officials said the July 3 ceremony was organized specifically for foreign guests. The full funeral proceedings, from July 4 to 9, will span Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, Najaf, and Karbala.
Among confirmed attendees are Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Tajikistan’s president, Iraq’s president, and representatives from China, Russia, and other nations.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report