As the two major countries in the Middle East and armed with nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia and Iran have a complex and constantly evolving relationship. Saudi Arabia is a Sunni majority nation while Iran is predominantly Shia- a point of contention that continues to spark disagreements. Both countries vie for power and influence in the region, leading to disputes over arms deals, countries the West supports, and even cultural discrepancies. Recent events such as the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the Yemeni Civil War, and the military buildup in the Strait of Hormuz have driven tensions between the two nations to a breaking point.
Saudi Arabia’s mistrust of Iran dates back to before the Iranian Revolution in 1979. After the Revolution and Iranian transition to a theocratic state, the two countries have had an increased number of diplomatic standoffs. In the past few decades, animosity between the two countries has grown as a consequence of proxy wars in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Iran cites Saudi Arabia’s involvement in Yemen’s protracted civil war and the kingdom’s close relationship with the United States as key reasons for the current tension.The Iranian government often makes derogatory comments against Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, for its part, sees Iran as interloper in the affairs of neighboring countries, and has accused Iran of trying to foment unrest and export its Shi’ite brand of Islam throughout the region. In response, the Saudis have implemented sanctions against the Iranian government and its people. In addition, Saudi leaders have condemned Iran for its alleged support of “terrorist” groups such as Hezbollah in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon.
Traditionally, Saudi Arabia has taken a more hawkish stance against Iran than the other Gulf Cooperation Council nations (GCC). This is largely due to the fact that Saudi-Iran rivalry is rooted in religious, ethnic, and geopolitical differences that cannot be reconciled. The kingdom has made it clear that it will not back down in the face of Iranian aggression and is willing to use military force to protect its interests. Saudi Arabia has long held an implicit policy of containment towards Iran, and the kingdom’s recent embrace of an “inside out” approach to regional security indicates that it has no desire to seeing its powerful neighbor become an equal.
Although it may seem like Saudi Arabia and Iran are locked in an intractable conflict, there have been some positive developments in recent months. In April of 2020, the two nations agreed to exchange diplomatic visits, a sign that some progress may be possible. At the same time, the two countries are actively engaged in talks to address issues related to the war in Yemen. Finally, Saudi Arabia has recently ended its blockade against Qatar, with which Iran has strong ties, in an attempt to emphasise mutual cooperation in the region.
The Role of the West
The role of the West in the Iran-Saudi Arabia relationship has been both contentious and complex. Generally, the United States and Europe have tended to support Saudi Arabia while maintaining a more limited relationship with Iran. This means that the United States has been more vocal in its condemnation of Iranian actions, while simultaneously offering its support for Saudi Arabia’s defense. This two-pronged approach has been seen by both countries as being dismissive of Iran’s legitimate security concerns. At the same time, Europe has taken a more constructive and diplomatic approach to the conflict, urging both countries to engage in dialogue.
Over the past few years, however, the West has become increasingly critical of Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy, particularly towards Yemen. This has created a rapprochement between the United States and Iran, as Washington has become increasingly open to Tehran’s proposals for a joint agreement on limiting nuclear weapons production. However, this rapprochement is unlikely to have any long-term effects on the Saudi-Iranian relationship unless it leads to comprehensive dialogue between the two sides.
The West has also sought to mediate between the two countries, though to mixed results. In 2015, the United States unsuccessfully attempted to arrange talks between the two countries. More recently, Germany has sought to bring the two countries to the table in order to discuss and resolve their differences but has been unable to do so.
Regional Countries Working Towards Peace
The ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran are often viewed to be zero-sum in nature, but the reality is that there is room for common ground. Recent moves towards Kuwait and Oman’s diplomatic efforts to resolve their differences has given more hope to the prospect of reconciliation. The two countries are also forming behind-the-scenes ties in the business world, with a number of high-level commercial deals being struck in recent months. Additionally, several regional news outlets have reported that high-level diplomatic talks between the two countries have been held in secret.
With tensions high and both sides seeming unwilling to relent, it is important to remember that there is still a chance for the two countries to reach a greater understanding. The two countries have a long history of successful cooperation and both sides have expressed at least a willingness to engage in dialogue. Saudi Arabia and Iran remain two of the most powerful nations in the region and, with deft diplomacy, the two sides could find common ground and bridge the gaps that divide them.
Oil Crisis, Building a Roadmap for Peace
The oil crisis that began in 2020 further exacerbated the tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran by exacerbating an already volatile economic situation. The price of oil plummeted after both countries began competing for a larger share of the market and pushed prices lower. This has put both countries in a vulnerable position as they both rely heavily on oil exports for their economic stability.
However, the crisis could potentially be a source of unity between the two nations. Both countries have expressed a desire to work together to address the crisis and the two sides have engaged in talks to negotiate a solution. If successful, the agreement could act as a foundation to reduce tensions between the two sides and provide a roadmap for future cooperation.
Iran has also offered to help bolster Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy by encouraging foreign investment in the kingdom. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has stated that Iran is willing to open up the oil and gas sector and expand technology through a joint venture with Saudi Arabia that would benefit both sides. This could help to spark economic growth in the region and create jobs, ultimately providing an alternative to the current political and security tensions.
The Role of Social Media
Social media has become an important tool for communication between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Through platforms like Twitter and Instagram, both countries have attempted to use the medium as a way to engage with one another. This has had mixed results, as both countries engage in online rhetoric that often stokes tensions. Recently, however, both sides have made efforts to de-escalate the conflict on social media.
This has included statements from Iranian officials praising Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts to consolidate power in the kingdom. In addition, Iranian state television has ceased airing its hostility towards Saudi Arabia and instead released reports about “friendly ties” between the countries. These small steps could indicate a shift in tone between the two sides- one that could lead to greater stability and peace.
Perhaps the most notable development, however, has been an increase in religious dialogue between Saudi and Iranian clerics. This dialogue has included discussions about the differences between Sunni and Shia Islam in an effort to bridge the spiritual gap between the two countries. It remains to be seen whether this dialogue will lead to meaningful progress, but the talks are a promising step forward.
Conclusion
Overall, Saudi Arabia and Iran remain at odds over a number of issues, from regional hegemony to the differences in religion. The two countries are unlikely to come to a full reconciliation anytime soon, but there are way both sides can come to an understanding. With increased diplomacy, mutual economic interests, and social media diplomacy, the two countries can move towards a more peaceful future.
