Reasons for Prolongation of Detente Negotiation between Iran-Saudi Arabia Based on Christopher Hill’s Theory

Five years after the cut of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, two sides entered into talks in 2021 to de-escalate their relations and during the negotiations carried out with the mediation of China in March 2023, they agreed to restore diplomatic relations. The purpose of this article is to examine the prolongation of detent negotiations and the difficulties of the two countries in maintaining and continuing diplomatic relations. The main question of the research is, why despite the de-escalation of relations between the two sides in 1990, this round of negotiations has been followed slowly? To answer the main question, the analytical-explanatory method and the approach of applying the theory with the case have been used. Research findings show that according to Christopher Hill, it is not possible to reach an agreement until the two sides change their psychological environment. Because what is happening in the operational environment is a reflection of the two sides' perception about changing the balance of power and interest in the region. Iran and Saudi Arabia need to make adjustments to their media statements in the first step. Then, in the second step when they receive new information, instead of simplicity, consistency, relying on cognitive maps, and emotional aspects and interpreting it in the past style, try to leave misperceptions, misconceptions, and misunderstandings. They should not be trapped up in the negative psychological war of media, and routine events, and raise walls of distrust with hasty comments.