The easing of tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia has left other GCC members in “a safer position because any clash between the two regional giants would invariably have involved the smaller states, which would have had to take sides—in favor of Saudi Arabia—and therefore getting in the crosshairs of the Islamic Republic. As a general rule, any developments that result in a reduction of regional tensions are welcomed by the smaller GCC states.” Dr. Mehran Kamrava, Professor of Government at Georgetown University in Qatar, How smaller GCC states view the Iranian-Saudi détente [Amwaj]