Saudi Arabia’s High-Profile Attendance at Khamenei’s Funeral Signals New Gulf-Iran Realignment

Saudi Arabia sent its Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed al-Khuraiji and a senior delegation to Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral in Tehran. Their presence was more than protocol—it was a clear recognition of Iran’s post-conflict durability. This move illustrates what analysts call the “Legitimacy Principle”: durable power forces recognition, even if relations remain tense. Riyadh’s decision came months after Iranian strikes on its territory during the US-Israel war. The funeral marks a turning point in the Middle East order. Gulf capitals are now hedging independently of Washington, recalibrating ties with Tehran on their own terms.

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