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A man in Tehran holds a local newspaper reporting on its front page the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore ties, signed in Beijing the previous day, on March, 11 2023.

Atta Kenare | Afp | Getty Images

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — When arch-rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran announced they were restoring diplomatic relations, much of the world was stunned — not only because of the breakthrough after years of mutual animosity, suspected attacks and espionage between the two countries, but because of who brokered the deal: China.

Taking up a specific role that the U.S. could not have fulfilled, this was Beijing’s first foray into Middle East mediation, an area that for the past few decades was largely occupied by Washington.

As tensions simmer between the world’s two largest economies and U.S. policymakers sound the alarm over competition and security concerns with China, what does Beijing’s ascendance in the region mean for the Middle East — and for U.S. interests?

“Many are breathing a sigh of relief [with] today’s official Iran-Saudi agreement,” Bader al-Saif, an assistant professor of history at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, wrote on Twitter after the news was announced. “All 3 parties to the deal can claim victory, but Saudis are arguably the biggest winner,” he contended.

From the Saudi perspective, normalization with Iran — a country that’s long been seen by the Saudi monarchy as one of its greatest security threats — removes obstacles in its reform and economic transformation journey, according to Joseph Westphal, a former U.S. ambassador to the kingdom.

“I think the leadership there believes that this is a very important moment for Saudi Arabia as it emerges … as a real leader in the world on many issues,” Westphal told CNBC’s Dan Murphy on Tuesday. “A constant struggle with Iran delays that and impedes the progress that they made.”

“Obviously, the United States could not have made this agreement possible because we don’t have a relationship with Iran,” the ambassador added. “I think China was a good partner to do this. I think they’re the right people,” he said, noting that China invests heavily in Saudi Arabia and is its top trading partner.

“So I think this is a very good thing all the way around.” 

China was a good partner to do this, former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia says

Hopes for de-escalation in areas like Yemen, where Saudi Arabia has carried out a brutal war against Iran-backed Houthi rebels since 2015, are now more realistic than before, analysts say. Risks to shipping and oil supplies in the region may be reduced, and trade and investment between the countries could add to growth.

Reduced risk of direct military confrontation

At the very least, improved communication will reduce risks of confrontation, said Torbjorn Soltvedt, principal Middle East and North Africa analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, who called the deal “a much needed pressure valve amid heightened regional tensions.”

Still, it’s a mistake to assume that everything is solved.

“Due to the ongoing shadow war between Iran and Israel – and sporadic Iran-backed attacks against shipping and energy infrastructure throughout the region – the risk of escalation due to miscalculation is still uncomfortably high,” he said.

In the past few years, the region has seen numerous attacks, particularly on Saudi and Emirati ships and energy infrastructure, which Riyadh and Washington blamed on Iran. Tehran rejects the accusations.

Saudi-Iranian deal: Saudis demonstrating they're 'in control of their own destiny,' think tank says

“Riyadh and Tehran will remain adversaries with competing visions for the region,” Soltvedt stressed. “But improved channels for communication have the potential to reduce the risk of a direct military confrontation between the two states.”

Iran is also now enriching uranium at its highest level ever, and is believed to be just months away from nuclear bomb-making capability. Rapprochement between Riyadh and Tehran may mean little if the latter’s nuclear program isn’t addressed.

Has Washington been snubbed?

The White House’s seeming reluctance to praise China was hard not to notice.

“We support any effort to de-escalate tensions in the region. We think it’s in our interests,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said of the news on Friday, adding that the Biden administration had made similar efforts in that direction.

But when asked about Beijing’s role, Kirby replied: “This is not about China and I’m not going to characterize here whatever China’s role is.”

Chinese President, Xi Jinping (L) is welcomed by Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (R) at the Palace of Yamamah in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on December 8, 2022.

Anadolu Agency | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

The news signaled the growing influence of China in the Arab region. And not just economically, as it already exports an immense amount of goods to the Middle East and is the largest importer of Saudi oil – but politically. Leaders of Saudi Arabia and the UAE have made concerted efforts to diversify their foreign relations and move away from being overly dependent on the U.S., as successive American administrations treat the Middle East as less of a priority.

“I think it demonstrates that U.S.’s influence and credibility in that region has diminished and that there is a new sort of international regional alignment taking place, which has empowered and given both Russia and China newfound influence and status,” Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and former Middle East policy advisor for the State Department, told NBC News.

He called the fact that China brokered the deal “stunning.”

US Marine Corps General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. (C, behind), commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) and Lieutenant General Fahd bin Turki bin Abdulaziz al-Saud (front), commander of the Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen, are shown reportedly Iranian weapons seized by Saudi forces from Yemen’s Huthi rebels, during his visit to a military base in al-Kharj in central Saudi Arabia on July 18, 2019.

Fayez Nureldine | AFP | Getty Images

Still, there seems to be a consensus that in terms of military power and security alliances in the region, U.S. influence is in no danger.

“No Chinese mediation — or any diplomatic involvement — will threaten US primacy in the region. All states, Iran included, know that,” Khalifa University’s Al-Saif said. The U.S.-Saudi Arabia security partnership spans nearly three-quarters of a century, and Saudi Arabia’s military arsenal is overwhelmingly supplied and maintained by the U.S. and American military personnel.

Neither KSA nor Iran will change overnight.

Bader Al-Saif

Assistant professor of history, Khalifa University

In any case, China’s gain doesn’t have to mean a loss for the U.S., many believe.

“This shouldn’t be a zero sum game for the US. It can serve US interests: Iran nuclear deal, Yemen, Lebanon for starters can benefit from the agreement,” Al-Saif said.

“A quick move should follow on these files [because] the agreement may not last long,” he added. “Might as well reap benefits while it lasts.”

Will the deal hold?

It’s yet to be seen whether the agreement between the two Middle Eastern powers – and the mutual goodwill expressed in its wake – will last.

Many regional watchers are skeptical.

“Iran’s opting for engagement here should not be misinterpreted as a de-escalation,” Behnam ben Taleblu, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told CNBC. “Tehran is capitalizing on deeper Chinese enmeshment in Persian Gulf trade as well as increased Saudi hedging of the pro-American order in the region.”

This year 'the real outlier is Iran' in the region, Atlantic Council CEO Fred Kempe says

“There was zero political cost to the Islamic Republic to this agreement, whereas the mere optics and politics of it, let alone the substance, are in Iran’s favor,” he said, stressing his doubt that Iran will stop meddling in regional conflicts and other countries via proxies and militant activity.

Ben Taleblu also argued that Iran’s enmity with Israel played a role in its calculations as “Tehran is trying to show that it beat Jerusalem to Riyadh, and is trying to push back and break out of the diplomatic isolation it felt due to the Abraham Accords” when the UAE and Bahrain normalized relations with Israel.

For al-Saif, there is “certainly hope for the agreement to live on” and lead to the prosperity that people of both countries deserve. “But,” he said, “neither KSA nor Iran will change overnight.”

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Podcast: Tesla deliveries, Cybertruck sales shock, Rivian surprises, and more

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January 3, 2025

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Podcast: Tesla deliveries, Cybertruck sales shock, Rivian surprises, and more

electrek podcast

In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss Tesla’s delivery results, Cybertruck sales being disastrous, Rivian surprises, and more.

The show is live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET on Electrek’s YouTube channel.

As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.

After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:

We now have a Patreon if you want to help us avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.

Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:

Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 4:00 p.m. ET (or the video after 5 p.m. ET):

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Honda Prologue sales are on fire in the US as 2024 total reaches over 33,000

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January 3, 2025

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Honda Prologue sales are on fire in the US as 2024 total reaches over 33,000

Honda-Prologue-sales-2024

Honda’s electric SUV is taking the US by storm. After another record month in December, Honda Prologue sales in the US reached over 33,000 in total in 2024.

Honda Prologue US sales reach over 33,000 in 2024

Honda set new SUV, hybrid, and EV sales records in the US in 2024. Its first electric SUV, the Prologue, is already significantly impacting brand sales.

With 7,885 Prologue models sold in December, Honda topped its record of around 6,800 set in November. The growth was enough to push total sales to over 33,000 in total in 2024. That’s after Honda began deliveries in March 2024.

During the second half of the year, Honda sold an average of over 5,000 Prologues per month. In November, the electric SUV was the third-top-selling EV in the US, behind only the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.

With nearly 7,900 units sold in December, Honda’s Prologue remained a top seller. Honda’s electric SUV outsold the Hyundai IONIQ 5 with 4,595 units sold. However, the IONIQ 5 remained on top in 2024, with 44,400 models sold.

Honda-Prologue-sales-2024
2024 Honda Prologue Elite (Source: Honda)

Ford doesn’t report monthly sales, but with 51,745 models sold last year, the Mach-E was the second best-selling electric SUV behind Tesla’s Model Y.

After the Mach-E had its best sales quarter with 16,119 in Q4, it will be interesting to see where the rankings stand when EV registration data is released.

Honda-Prologue-sales-2024
2024 Honda Prologue Elite (Source: Honda)

Honda’s luxury Acura brand also set a new US sales record in December. With another 1,848 units sold last month, Acura ZDX sales totaled 7,391 last year.

Powered by GM’s Ultium platform, the same one that underpins new Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC EVs, Honda’s Prologue has a driving range of up to 296 miles.

Honda-Prologue-EV-interior
2024 Honda Prologue Elite interior (Source: Honda)

Although based on the same platform, Honda fine-tuned the electric SUV with its own signature design, features, and drive. An added multi-link front and rear suspension gives the Prologue that “sporty” feel when driving. It also features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, something GM has moved away from.


2024 Honda Prologue trim		 Starting Price
(w/o $1,395
destination fee)		 Starting price after
tax credit
(w/o $1,395
destination fee)		 Starting price after
tax credit
(with $1,395
destination fee)		 EPA Range
(miles)
EX (FWD) $47,400 $39,900 $41,295 296
EX (AWD) $50,400 $42,900 $44,295 281
Touring (FWD) $51.700 $44,200 $45,595 296
Touring (AWD) $54,700 $47,200 $48,595 281
Elite (AWD) $57,900 $50,400 $51,795 273
2024 Honda Prologue prices and range by trim

The 2024 Honda Prologue starts at $47,400 and has a range of up to 296 miles. With the $7,500 tax credit, prices drop to as low as $39,900 (not including the destination fee).

Have you seen a Prologue in your area, or do you own one? Let us know what you think of the electric SUV in the comments below.

Are you ready to see why Honda’s electric SUV is stealing the spotlight? We can help you get started. With leases starting as low as $279 per month, it’s no wonder Honda Prologue sales are surging. You can use our link to view offers on the Honda Prologue at a dealer near you today.

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Jackery New Year sale saves up to $3,300 on power stations at new lows, Rad Power e-bike bundles from $1,399, Segway, more

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January 3, 2025

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Jackery New Year sale saves up to ,300 on power stations at new lows, Rad Power e-bike bundles from ,399, Segway, more

Closing out our first week of 2025 Green Deals, we have Jackery’s New Year sale that is taking up to $3,300 off power stations, with some even hitting new low prices, like the Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station that comes bundled with two 200W solar panels for a new $1,499 low, among others. Next, we have Rad Power’s newest sale, which is starting the year off with free extra battery and sports rack e-bike bundles from $1,399. Riding up alongside it is Segway’s New Year sale that is seeing its Ninebot Max G30P KickScooter return to the $600 low we last saw during Black Friday. Lastly, we have a collection of Greenworks lawncare discounts led by the new low on the brand’s 80V 580 CFM Cordless Electric Axial Leaf Blower at $170. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals can be found in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s EcoFlow’s New Year sale, Hiboy’s newest S2 SE e-scooter, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Jackery New Year savings drops Explorer 2000 v2 solar generator bundle to new $1,499 low

Jackery’s New Year sale has kicked off its 2025 savings through January 10, with up to $3,300 being taken off its backup power solutions – with some models/bundles even undercutting its Black Friday pricing at new lows. One of these is the new Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station that is coming bundled alongside two 200W solar panels for $1,499 shipped, after clipping the on-page $1,000 off coupon. This solar generator package has been keeping to $2,499 outside of sales, with Black Friday seeing the biggest price cut to $1,599 over 2023. That rate is getting beaten out here by $100, giving you a new all-time low to start the year off with a savings bang. You can also score the power station on its own for $999, after clipping the on-page $500 off coupon.

Jackery’s latest on-the-go backup solution, the Explorer 2000 v2 has been given exclusive CBT tech and a honeycomb build that the brand boasts as “the smallest, lightest home backup power,” providing 2,200W output power surging up to 4,400W to cover devices and appliances alike. It sports a 2,042Wh LiFePo4 battery capacity that dishes out the juice through seven ports. It’s also one of the three latest models that come with the next-generation ChargeShield 2.0 for 62 forms of protection while charging – especially during storms, outages, and so on.

The station’s battery can be recharged in one of four ways, the fastest of which is via a wall outlet that refills 80% of the battery in about 66+ minutes – plus, for last-minute charging, you can activate its supercharge feature to reach a full battery in 102+ minutes. You can also plug it directly to your car’s auxiliary port to recharge to full in 24 hours, or with the two included panels you can get a charge from the sun in 5.5 hours. A notable addition to its systems is the silent charging mode for when you’ve plugged it in for nighttime use or recharging, as it keeps under 30dB so you or anyone else trying to rest won’t be disturbed.

Jackery New Year sale outdoor on-the-go power station deals:

Jackery New Year sale outdoor on-the-go bundle deals:

Jackery New Year sale home backup power station deals:

Jackery New Year sale home backup bundle deals:

Jackery New Year sale accessory deals:

You can browse Jackery’s entire New Year sale – including learning about the brand’s point raffle game to win exclusive prizes – by following the link to the Jackery sale landing page here.

Jackery New Year sale

Rad Power starts 2025 with free extra battery and sports rack e-bike bundles – deals start from $1,399

Rad Power has launched its first sale of 2025 through January 15, with one e-bike seeing a $200 discount and four others (including two new models) following in the fashion of Lectric with free gear worth up to $500 – either the brand’s Hollywood Sports Rack or free extra batteries – accompanying your e-bike purchase. You’ll find the brand’s RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike getting one of the free bonus batteries at $1,599 shipped. We’ve been seeing this model benefitting from up to $400 discounts since October, which is when we last saw it down at its $1,199 low, but this sale seems to be taking the alternative route with savings coming in the form of the free gear, taking $499 off the $2,098 price tag this bundle would normally fetch. Just add the e-bike and its corresponding battery to your cart and the discount will be automatically applied.

Coming in as the brand’s most popular storage-saving model, the RadExpand 5 e-bike sports a folding frame that cuts down its size when not in use to fit within closets, car trunks, RVs, and more. The paired 750W brushless geared hub motor and 672Wh battery top out at 20 MPH speeds with a travel range of 45+ miles normally, but with the extra battery you’ll get 90+ miles. Of course, these higher mileages are possible when utilizing the four pedal assistance levels, with a throttle for pure electric riding at a decreased range.

Among its additional features, you’ll have a 7-speed MicroShift derailleur, a standard LED headlight alongside an integrated taillight that offers brake light functionality, both of which automatically activate when daylight drops low enough. You’ll also get some cargo-hauling support from the integrated rear rack with a 55-pound limit, as well as fenders to go over both wheels, a water-resistant wiring harness, and an LED display.

Rad Power e-bike bundle deals:

  • RadRunner 3 Plus Utility e-bike: $2,199
    • 20 MPH for up to 45+ miles (90+ with extra battery)
    • add both to cart for automatic discount
  • Radster Road Commuter e-bike: $2,199
    • 28 MPH for up to 65+ miles
    • Plus free Hollywood Sport Rider Rack
    • add both to cart for automatic discount
  • Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike: $2,199
    • 28 MPH for up to 65+ miles
    • Plus free Hollywood Sport Rider Rack
    • add both to cart for automatic discount
  • RadWagon 5 Cargo e-bike: $2,399
    • 28 MPH for up to 60+ miles
    • Plus free Hollywood Sport Rider Rack
    • add both to cart for automatic discount

Rad Power e-bike discounts:

Segway Ninebot Max G30P Kickscooter

Segway’s New Year sale drops the Ninebot Max G30P kickscooter with a 40-mile range back at $600 low

Segway is ringing in the new year with an all-new sale through January 5 that is taking up to 40% off its EVs, with some even beating out their Christmas pricing to return to Black Friday/Cyber Monday rates. One such model is the Ninebot Max G30P KickScooter for $599.99 shipped. It usually carries a full $1,000 price tag outside of sales, with the lowest rate we saw it drop to in the last year being $600 during Black Friday. It sat at a much higher $800 during the Christmas season, but you’re getting another shot at Black Friday/Cyber Monday pricing here at 40% off for the lowest price we have tracked, saving you $400. You’ll also find it matching over at Amazon for the time being.

The Ninebot G30P kickscooter is the perfect commuter for folks going long-distance or those wanting to not worry about charging once you’ve arrived at your out-of-home destination. The 350W motor and 36V battery provide top speeds of 18.6 MPH with a travel distance of 40 miles and can easily tackle up to 20% inclines. It comes with the expected folding frame and companion app support alongside other features like an LED display, cruise control, mechanical and electrical anti-lock brakes, front and rear shock absorbers, and even 10-inch self-sealing tubeless tires. On top of all it can do while riding, it also weighs in at just 38.6 pounds, making it easy to carry up stairs and through doors when not in use.

Segway New Year sale e-scooter deals under $300:

Segway New Year sale $301-$500 e-scooter deals:

Segway New Year sale $501+ EV deals:

Greenworks axial leaf blower

Amazon drops Greenworks 80V 580 CFM cordless electric axial leaf blower to new $170 low

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 80V 580 CFM Cordless Electric Axial Leaf Blower for $169.99 shipped. Most of 2024 saw this model keeping between $252 and its $270 MSRP, with it recently keeping down around $230 with the holiday savings. Most discounts over the year dropped costs to $216, though we did spy two falls lower to $207 and $191. Today, the price is getting cut down with a $100 markdown from its full rate, not only giving you the lowest price of the last year but also a new all-time low overall.

While winter may be in full swing, halting many lawncare routines for the time being, it’s also one of the best times to start prepping for spring as prices are brought down on tools and equipment like this axial leaf blower from Greenworks. Its brushless motor delivers up to 580 CFM of air flow that reaches 145 MPH, controlled via the variable speed trigger and even featuring a cruise control functionality. It’s been designed to be “20% lighter than comparable gas blowers,” which pairs with its comfort grip for easier handling – plus, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of stubborn pull cords, gas fumes, and noise anymore. And for folks already building a Greenworks arsenal, the 2.5Ah battery comes interchangeable with over 75 of the brand’s other tool systems, including larger batteries.

Other notable Greenworks deals:

Best ongoing holiday e-bike deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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