Saudi Arabia–Iran relations

Saudi Arabia–Iran relations are the political and religious ties between the two Gulf powers, shaped by regional rivalry, sectarian differences, and periodic diplomatic engagement.

Iranian Revolution: The 1979 overthrow of Iran’s monarchy and establishment of an Islamic republic. The revolution recast Iran’s regional identity and intensified Saudi fears of revolutionary influence.
Regional security complex: A group of states whose security concerns are so interdependent that they cannot be understood separately. Saudi and Iranian threat perceptions are shaped by the same connected Middle Eastern security environment.
Yemen Civil War: The conflict that began in Yemen in 2014 among domestic factions and their foreign supporters. Saudi military intervention and Iranian support for the Houthis made Yemen a central arena of rivalry.
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries: An intergovernmental organization that coordinates petroleum policies among its member states. Saudi Arabia and Iran are major members whose disagreements can complicate oil-policy coordination.
Oman–Iran relations: The diplomatic and economic relationship between Oman and Iran, characterized by sustained engagement. Oman’s frequent mediation contrasts with the sharper competition between Riyadh and Tehran.
Iran–Iraq War: The 1980–1988 war between Iran and Iraq, fought after Iraq invaded Iran. Saudi support for Iraq during the war deepened mistrust with Tehran.
Balance of power: A distribution of power among states that limits any one state’s ability to dominate others. Each government seeks partners and leverage to prevent the other from gaining regional predominance.
Syrian Civil War: The conflict that began in Syria in 2011 after protests against Bashar al-Assad’s government. Iran backed Assad’s government while Saudi Arabia supported parts of the opposition.
Strait of Hormuz: A narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Tensions between the two states raise concerns about the safety of this vital oil shipping route.
Saudi Arabia–United States relations: The political, economic, and security relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States. The US security partnership provides a key contrast to Saudi Arabia’s adversarial relationship with Iran.

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