Mutual Sources of Concern between Iran and Saudi Arabia; Why and How

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. student of International Relations, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran..

2 Associate Professor of International Relations, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Associate Professor of International Relations, Isfahan University, Isfahan, Iran.

Abstract

Extended Abstract     
Introduction
Iran and Saudi Arabia relations is always fluctuating. The two countries are recognized as a regional power in the Middle East and are in competition. This competition is due to mutual concerns about the structure of the international system and the internal environment originates. A power vacuum has been created in the last decade, has increased competition between the two countries.The two countries have structural tensions. Both countries aspire to lead the Islamic world and also have regional hegemony. Iran views Saudi Arabia as the US representative in the region, which has deprived it access to its rights. Saudi Arabia is also concerned about Iran's asymmetric power and regional and nuclear ambitions, especially its strong presence in Iraq, one of the main actors, rival in Syria, Yemen (Direct conflict with the Houthis), influential in Lebanon and Palestine. In fact, Saudi Arabia is concerned about Iran's activities because Iran has the tools and ability to challenge Saudi Arabia against domestic and foreign rivals. The main question of this article: What are the reasons for concern between Iran and Saudi Arabia? The hypothesis tested in response to this question is that identity contradiction, political-security conflicts, and regional rivalry are sources of mutual concern that have led them to pursue offensive, competitive, and in some cases hostile foreign policies.
 
Methodology
The present study is a qualitative research with a descriptive-analytic approach and the method of collecting information is library-documentary. In the collection section, library resources are used in both domestic and foreign sections.
 
Results and Discussion
To understand the sources of mutual concern between the two countries, it is necessary to carefully evaluate their foreign policy and their relations. In general, Iran's foreign policy goals include: promoting the political values and interests of leaders and friendly groups, exporting Shiite Islam Revolutionary, denying domination, oppression, supporting liberation movements, religious democracy and exporting it to other Islamic countries, fighting against religious extremism, promoting the culture of defending the Palestinian cause. Saudi Foreign Policy goals are: balance of power, leadership of the Islamic World, dealing with movements and revolutions, maintaining unpopular and unelected Arab governments in the Middle East and North Africa, wxporting Wahhabi religion among the countries of the region.
 
Conclusions
The sources of concern on both sides are rooted in identity, political-security conflicts that have created rivalry between the two sides. The rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran is largely, but not exclusively, geopolitical in nature. A clear sectarian dimension also contributes to the escalation of the conflict. Internal factors also play an important role in any country, but the main reason for this competition is usually the external environment and proxy competition. When the regional environment is calm and competition is reduced, the two sides do not allow conflicts to escalate and thus create tension. These contradictions are often used as a tool for external competition. The resulting competition poses significant risks that could increase in the future. These risks include the effects of overflows (such as immigration and terrorism), escalating tensions and violent conflict in the Middle East (intensified by competition), pressure to develop nuclear weapons and long-range missiles, and increasing volatility in the global oil market, all of which are of concern. The two countries should consider ways to reduce tensions, if not resolve, through smart initiatives in areas of immediate friction (such as Yemen and Iraq, Syria, Bahrain) substrates that may cause friction and military conflict. These initiatives could include confidence-building measures and the promotion of regional cooperation in the areas of trade, economic development and environmental concerns. The region needs a stable order, and this order is tied to Iran-Saudi Arabia relations.
Preventive efforts that can minimize new and potentially dangerous ways of competition and, more broadly, promote stability in the Persian Gulf region would include:

Provide positive incentives to encourage responsible Iranian behavior, especially given its support for Lebanon's Hezbollah and Bashar Assad regime in Syria, as well as Saudi Arabia's renunciation of Wahhabi and Salafi movements
Progress and resumption of peace talks in Yemen. Although Iran and Saudi Arabia are currently in the process of negotiating peace and reducing tensions, these efforts are not enough to reduce tensions
Encourage international law to moderate potentially dangerous Saudi-Iranian interactions in air and naval activities, ballistic missile development, cyber-intervention, political and intelligence warfare, and religious events such as the Hajj
Promote regional institutionalization and participatory activities in areas of common concern, such as resource management, environmental degradation, and regional infrastructure development
The participation of key international actors, such as the United Nations, as well as major powers with growing interest in the Gulf region, such as encouraging China and India to contribute to regional stability.

Keywords

Main Subjects


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