The complex relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran has long been a flashbutton in the Middle East. The two countries represent two different sects of Islam: Saudi Arabia is a Sunni country, while Iran is a Shiite country. The confrontation between the two countries stems not only from differences in religious beliefs, but also because of their geopolitical position in the Middle East. This article will explore their historically complex relationship to provide a fuller explanation of their long-standing dispute.
Saudi Arabia and Iran
1. Historical background
To better understand the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran, we need to look back to their historical context. The history of the Middle East dates back to the ancient period around 3000 BC. During this period, many powerful and independent city-states and kingdoms were spread across the Middle East. The struggles and alliances between these city-states and kingdoms eventually formed international relations between the countries of the modern Middle East.
The historical ties of Saudi Arabia and Iran can be traced back to the first millennium BC. The history of Iran is considered to be of great cultural and historical value. The Persian Empire once controlled most of the Middle East, including present-day Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Iran's history traditionally emphasizes self-discipline and strong individualism, which is one of the sources of the spirit of Islam.
Persian Empire
The history of Saudi Arabia has been influenced by Islam. Islam originated in the Alabel Peninsula and spread throughout the Middle East in the mid-7th century AD. The successful spread of Islam on the Arabian Peninsula gave Arab leaders a key role in the development of Islamic civilization. This explains why Saudi Arabia is one of the most important protectorates of Sunni Islam today.
Second, the Arab countries have suffered the brunt of the Islamic Revolution
In the 70s of the 20th century, the Islamic Revolution had a significant impact on the Arab countries of the Middle East and the Muslim people around the world. At first glance, the Islamic Revolution is a religious revival movement belonging to Shia Islam, but the Islamic political movement applicable to Sunnis has also been stimulated to a considerable extent.
Islamic Revolution
After the success of the Islamic Revolution, Iran became the world's first religious-based state, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini declared Iran an Islamic regime. This new wave of Islam has affected many Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, there has been a religious revival and reform movement in the name of "return to Islamic principles", which is considered the predecessor of the Islamic group.
With the success of the Islamic Revolution, Iran wants to create a new situation for itself throughout the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has also been paying particular attention to this issue. Muslim interests seek to replace Muslim countries, a dream that largely dates back to the 80s of the 20th century. At that time, many countries in the Middle East were in a weakening state, and Iran saw this and began to compete for geopolitical status. This is different from Saudi Arabia's policy. Saudi Arabia's geopolicy is based on ties and cooperation with the United States and on a partnership for the protection and development of Arab countries. In Arab countries, cooperation with Iran means embracing a different religious belief and rich historical and cultural traditions, which undoubtedly affects the common national interest.
3. The peninsula region after the Iraq War and Iran
Iraq's invasion of Kuwait triggered U.N. sanctions and U.S. commitments to Saudi Arabia. After the first Gulf War, the U.S. military presence in Saudi Arabia gradually declined, but the U.S. military presence was still supported by Saudi Arabia. The U.S. military presence also demands the maintenance of an international blockade of Iraq, which has had an impact on Iran and Saudi Arabia. Iran hopes to expand its influence in this way, while Saudi Arabia is forced to distance itself from Iran.
Iraq, Kuwait
However, with the end of the Iraq war, the situation in Iran and Saudi Arabia is also changing. First, Iran's expanding sphere of influence, especially in the region between Iraq and Syria, has brought increasing attention to Iran's geopolitical position. In addition, Saudi Arabia's internal political crisis has affected relations with the United States. At that time, the United States was constantly asking Saudi Arabia whether it provided financial support to al-Qaida. In Saudi Arabia itself, the growing radical camp of Islam has also made the political situation in Saudi Arabia uncertain. In this context, the zero-sum game between Iran and Saudi Arabia is becoming more and more apparent.
4. Rights protection issues and geopolitics
Iran's nuclear weapons development program is one of the focuses of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and global public opinion. Iran began its nuclear weapons development program in the early 20th century. According to Iran, the plan is primarily aimed at forming a moral force for so-called "peace and development." However, because of the strong geopolitical position that nuclear weapons can bring to any country and their strategic importance in the Middle East, the international community has questioned Iran's nuclear weapons program.
Distribution of Iranian nuclear facilities
Saudi Arabia is a direct neighbor of Iran, so its biggest concern is its own rights and interests. Saudi Arabia has long argued that Iran is trying to control the entire region, and that its nuclear program will undoubtedly make that situation worse. Saudi Arabia has even threatened to develop nuclear weapons of its own as a retaliation to Iran's nuclear weapons program. The threat spread from the media to the world, so both Iran and Saudi Arabia were fueled by widespread rhetoric.
Fifthly, the response of the international community
Iran's complicated relationship with Saudi Arabia has been shrouded in controversy in the Middle East, but it has also been complicated by globalization. Globally, many countries are concerned about the rivalry between these two powers. The response of the international community has been uneven. Some countries believe that the use of war is an inevitable consequence of events, but for most countries, even for the international community, a more tolerant and peaceful approach should be adopted, trying to ease tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and avoid similar revolutions and political processes.
Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran have eased recently. The Iranian government's global isolation and economic sanctions, as well as Saudi Arabia's relocation, are among the main reasons for easing tensions between the two sides. In any case, it is hoped that the international community can save regional peace and stability by working hard to achieve an ultimate state of peace, so that all countries in the Middle East can become the guarantee of regional peace and development through friendly cooperation.