13.1 Historical context of Iran-Saudi relations
3 min read•july 23, 2024
Iran and 's relationship has been marked by rivalry and tension since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. This pivotal event transformed Iran into an , challenging Saudi Arabia's religious legitimacy and regional dominance.
The two nations have engaged in and ideological battles across the Middle East. Their competition for influence has shaped regional politics, exacerbated , and impacted global oil markets through their roles in .
Historical Context of Iran-Saudi Relations
Evolution of Iran-Saudi relations
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Top images from around the web for Evolution of Iran-Saudi relations
Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution in Photos - Photo news - Tasnim News Agency View original
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Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution in Photos - Photo news - Tasnim News Agency View original
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Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution in Photos - Photo news - Tasnim News Agency View original
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Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution in Photos - Photo news - Tasnim News Agency View original
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- Pre-1979 Iranian Revolution
- Maintained relatively stable relations aligned with the United States
- Cooperated in regional security efforts and oil production coordination
- Post-1979 Iranian Revolution
- Intensified ideological and geopolitical rivalry as Iran's revolutionary government challenged Saudi Arabia's religious legitimacy
- Saudi Arabia supported Iraq during the (1980-1988) to counter Iranian influence
- 1990s and early 2000s
- Experienced fluctuating relations with periods of rapprochement and tension
- Cooperated in oil production through OPEC to maintain stable prices
- Diverged in interests regarding regional conflicts (Lebanon, Iraq, and Afghanistan)
- Arab Spring and recent developments
- Increased competition for regional influence in the wake of the Arab Spring uprisings
- Engaged in proxy conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq to assert dominance
- Exacerbated sectarian tensions between Sunni-led Saudi Arabia and Shia-majority Iran
Key events in bilateral dynamics
- 1979 Iranian Revolution
- Overthrew the Shah and established an Islamic Republic in Iran based on
- Shifted Iran's foreign policy and ideology, challenging the regional status quo
- Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)
- Saudi Arabia supported Iraq against Iran to contain revolutionary influence
- Deepened the regional rivalry and solidified opposing alliances
- 2003
- Removed Saddam Hussein's regime, which had served as a counterweight to Iran
- Increased Iranian influence in Iraq, raising concerns for Saudi Arabia's security
- Arab Spring (2011-present)
- Competed for influence in regional uprisings and conflicts (Syria, Yemen, Bahrain)
- Engaged in proxy wars to shape the outcomes of the Arab Spring in their favor
Impact of Iranian Revolution
- Ideological shift in Iran
- Established an Islamic Republic based on Shia Islam, challenging Saudi Arabia's
- Exported revolutionary ideology to Shia populations in the region, threatening Saudi Arabia's stability
- Geopolitical rivalry
- Amplified Iran's ambition to become a dominant regional power in the Middle East
- Prompted Saudi Arabia to contain Iranian influence through alliances and proxy conflicts
- Sectarian tensions
- Intensified the Sunni-Shia divide in the region, fueling religious and political tensions
- Raised Saudi Arabia's concern over Iran's support for Shia minorities in the (Bahrain, Yemen)
Oil's role in Iran-Saudi rivalry
- Major oil producers and OPEC members
- Cooperated in oil production and pricing through OPEC to maintain market stability
- Competed for market share and influence in the global oil market to boost their economies
- concerns
- Saudi Arabia relied on US military protection for its oil infrastructure in the Persian Gulf
- Iran threatened to disrupt oil shipping in the Persian Gulf () during times of tension
- Economic impact of on Iran
- US and international sanctions targeted Iran's oil exports to pressure its nuclear program
- Saudi Arabia compensated for reduced Iranian oil supply in the market to maintain price stability
Key Terms to Review (19)
Energy security: Energy security refers to the reliable availability of energy resources at an affordable price, ensuring that a nation can access energy to meet its needs without disruption. This concept is critical in regions rich in energy resources, influencing economic growth, political relations, and overall stability.
Green Movement: The Green Movement refers to a political and social movement focused on environmental protection, sustainability, and ecological awareness, particularly in response to climate change and resource depletion. It encompasses various efforts to promote democratic governance and social justice, particularly in the context of Iran's political landscape. This movement is significant as it represents not only a demand for environmental reform but also highlights the interplay of youth activism and socio-political dissatisfaction.
Gulf Cooperation Council: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional intergovernmental organization established in 1981, consisting of six Middle Eastern countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. The GCC aims to promote economic, political, and military cooperation among its member states, primarily to enhance their collective security and diversify their economies away from oil dependency.
Gulf States: Gulf States refer to the countries bordering the Persian Gulf, primarily including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. These states are significant due to their vast oil reserves and strategic geopolitical positioning, which play crucial roles in regional politics and global energy markets.
Iran-Iraq War: The Iran-Iraq War was a protracted conflict that lasted from 1980 to 1988 between Iran and Iraq, primarily fueled by territorial disputes and ideological differences following the Iranian Revolution. The war had profound impacts on regional politics, shaping the foreign policies of both nations and significantly affecting their military capabilities and economies.
Islamic Republic: An Islamic Republic is a form of government that combines Islamic principles with republican governance, where elected representatives govern in accordance with Islamic law (Sharia). This political structure emphasizes the role of religion in governance while also promoting democratic processes, reflecting a blend of theocratic and secular elements that has shaped the political landscape in various Muslim-majority countries.
Mohammad Reza Shah: Mohammad Reza Shah was the last monarch of Iran, ruling from 1941 until his overthrow in the 1979 Iranian Revolution. His reign is marked by significant modernization efforts, including the White Revolution, which aimed to rapidly transform Iran's economy and society, but also led to growing discontent and opposition, shaping Iran's political landscape and its relations with regional powers.
OPEC: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1960, consisting of oil-producing nations that coordinate and unify petroleum policies to stabilize oil markets. OPEC's influence has been crucial in shaping global oil prices and has had a significant impact on the economies of member countries, particularly in the Gulf region, as well as on international relations, especially between countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Organization of Islamic Cooperation: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is an international organization founded in 1969, consisting of 57 member states, aimed at promoting Muslim solidarity and cooperation on social, economic, political, and cultural issues. The OIC plays a significant role in addressing the challenges faced by Muslim-majority countries and influencing international relations within the context of global politics.
Petrodollar economy: The petrodollar economy refers to the global financial system that is based on the trade of oil in U.S. dollars. This system emerged in the early 1970s when major oil-exporting countries, particularly in the Middle East, agreed to price and sell their oil exclusively in dollars, creating a strong demand for the currency. As a result, countries that purchase oil must hold reserves in dollars, which solidifies the U.S. dollar's status as the world's primary reserve currency and gives the United States significant economic leverage.
Proxy conflicts: Proxy conflicts are indirect confrontations where two or more opposing powers use third parties as substitutes for fighting each other directly. These conflicts often occur in regions where larger powers seek to exert influence or control without engaging in open warfare, resulting in complicated political dynamics and prolonged violence. In the context of the historical relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia, proxy conflicts have been a significant feature, showcasing their rivalry as each nation supports opposing sides in regional disputes.
Sanctions: Sanctions are measures taken by countries or international organizations to restrict or penalize a nation in order to influence its behavior, often related to issues like human rights violations, nuclear proliferation, or aggression. These actions can include economic restrictions, trade bans, and diplomatic isolation, aiming to coerce a change in policies or actions without resorting to military force.
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is a Middle Eastern country located on the Arabian Peninsula, known for its vast deserts and significant Islamic heritage, particularly as the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. Its strategic geographic position, vast oil reserves, and application of Islamic law significantly shape its political landscape and regional influence.
Sectarian tensions: Sectarian tensions refer to conflicts and divisions arising between different religious or sectarian groups, often leading to violence and instability. In the context of the Middle East, these tensions are particularly prominent between Sunni and Shia Muslims, deeply influencing geopolitical dynamics and internal politics in various countries, affecting relationships among regional powers, and shaping prospects for cooperation and conflict resolution.
Shia Islam: Shia Islam is one of the two main branches of Islam, which holds that the rightful leadership of the Muslim community should be based on the family lineage of the Prophet Muhammad, particularly through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali. This belief sets Shia Muslims apart from their Sunni counterparts, leading to distinct religious practices and a significant historical rivalry, especially in the context of Iran-Saudi relations.
Strait of Hormuz: The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. This strategic waterway is vital for global oil transportation, as it sees around 20% of the world's oil supply passing through it, making it a focal point for geopolitical tensions and conflicts in the region.
Sunni Islamic Legitimacy: Sunni Islamic legitimacy refers to the authority and acceptance of a ruler or government based on their adherence to Sunni Islamic principles, traditions, and interpretations. This concept is central to the political landscape of Muslim-majority countries, particularly in establishing the ruler's right to govern, often linking religious beliefs with political power.
US-led invasion of Iraq: The US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 was a military campaign initiated by the United States and coalition forces to overthrow the government of Saddam Hussein, based on claims that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and posed a threat to global security. This invasion significantly impacted the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East, particularly in relation to Iran-Saudi relations, as it altered regional power balances and heightened tensions.
Wahhabism: Wahhabism is a conservative branch of Sunni Islam founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab in the 18th century, advocating a strict interpretation of the Quran and the Hadith. This movement emphasizes monotheism and seeks to purify Islam by rejecting practices viewed as innovations, particularly those influenced by Sufism. Its influence has been pivotal in shaping the ideological foundation of Saudi Arabia and has played a significant role in the broader dynamics of Middle Eastern politics.