30/ Though protests are unlikely to change who is in power, they will eventually force a change from within Iran’s political system by the next presidential elections in 2021 and set the stage for renewed efforts at diplomacy with the Saudis.

31/ By 2020, the Saudi-US alliance will probably become tenuous because they get blamed for high oil prices and GOP no longer controls all three branches of government. Congress can veto over arms deals.

32/ This will force the Saudis to re-evaluate their Middle East strategy, especially as they would be fatigued and financially drained by the war in Yemen, and have to face increasing pressure at home to create employment for its young burgeoning population.

33/ Rather than shutting out Iran from the rest of the world, what’s more likely is that the Europeans continue to trade and invest in Iran over the long run. This is a reality the Saudis will have to accept but getting to that point may take more violence and volatility.

34/ Eventually Iran and Saudi Arabia will halt fighting and negotiate a cold peace to deal with matters internally more determined, with an official Saudi invitation to once again strengthen relationships between both neighboring countries. There will be peace.