Saudi Arabia says tensions with Iran won't affect peace efforts in Syria

Western powers are pleading for peace between Saudi Arabia and Iran, who cut diplomatic ties following Sunni Saudi Arabia's controversial execution of a prominent Shiite clerk. But even as the Security Council calls for both sides to "take steps to reduce tensions in the region," Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the UN has insisted that the dispute will not disrupt regional peace efforts in Syria.

"From our side, it should have no effect because we will continue to work very hard to support the peace efforts in Syria and Yemen," Ambassador Abdallah al-Mouallimi told reporters, according to Al Jazeera.

Analysts aren't as sure. "A breakdown of relations between Riyadh and Tehran could have very serious consequences for the region," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said.

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International Crisis Group analyst Noah Bonsey had similar fears. "Ultimately, reaching a political resolution in Syria would require key states backing each side to make reciprocal concessions, and pressure their Syrian allies to do the same. For now, things are moving in the opposite direction," he said.