Iran and Saudi take their global competition from Asia to Latin America
The US is unlikely to welcome Iran warmer ties in the continent and will seek to undermine them.
An interesting trend might be emerging. While Saudi is busy solidifying its “Pivot to Asia” and alliances there, Iran is moving forward and taking the competition to the next level. Particularly, the Iranian president is currently in a visit to Latin America where he will be meeting with leaders of Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua to expand Iran’s economic and financial ties in the continent.
Saudi is aware of Iran expansion. Last week, it hosted the Venezuelan president and yesterday the Saudi FM met with the Venezuelan ambassador to the country. In both instances, the agenda of the meetings were not clear. Nonetheless, they indicate an important trend with global implications. Iran and Saudi Arabia are moving their competition from Asia and the Middle East to Latin America.
Iran is building on its anti-colonial discourse to establish economic ties with anti-western regimes. Iran is using common grievances to expand its footprint in the US’s backyard. As a result, Saudi will almost certainly try to make new strides in the continent. The US is unlikely to welcome Iran warmer ties in the continent and will seek to undermine them.