TEHRAN (Bazaar) – Robert Y. Shapiro, professor and former chair of the Department of Political Science at Columbia University says that the Hamas-Israel war improves relations between Riyadh and Tehran and disrupts the process of normalizing Saudi-Israeli relations.
Following is the full text of the Bazaar interview with Professor Shapiro.
Q: During the war between Hamas and Israel, some sources in America and their affiliated media reported that Iranian money was blocked in Qatar again, which was later denied. Do you think there was a message hidden in this news?
It acknowledged the issue of funds being free up for Iran in exchange for the American prisoners in Iran who were released.
Q: How likely is it that America will use these funds as leverage against Iran in the future? If so, what will be the harm to America?
The US will use whatever leverage that it can and this is one.
Q: What is the impact of this war on the future of Iran’s nuclear negotiations?
It will depend on the outcome of the war, whether Netanyahu stays in power, and ultimately the 2024 US presidential election.
Q: What effects will this war have on the future of Iran and Saudi Arabia relations?
The war could make the relations easier since they both are supporters of the Palestinians.
Q: What is the effect of the war between Hamas and Israel on the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel?
The war is certainly not helping this relationship, and again, much depends on the outcome of the war.
