Iranian Policy Toward Saudi Arabia: Between Conflict and Accommodation

Iran and Saudi Arabia have a complex relationship marked by conflict and accommodation, with their foreign policies shaped by a mix of realism and ideology. James Devine's book explores this relationship, arguing that since 1987, Iran's foreign policy has been predominantly realist, but ideology has played a significant role in determining its enemies and friends. The book examines the interaction between realpolitik and ideology to identify long-term patterns in Iran's policies toward Saudi Arabia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Iran and Saudi Arabia, two major players in the Persian Gulf and the Islamic world, have a complex and often contentious relationship. While they are rivals, they have also experienced significant changes in their relationship over time. Understanding these shifts and the factors that have shaped Tehran's policies towards Saudi Arabia is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of the region. Western observers have often been divided in their assessment of Iran's foreign policy, viewing it as either completely ideological, completely rational, or completely unpredictable. In his book, "Iran and Saudi Arabia: The Long View," James Devine argues that since 1987, the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic has been predominantly realist in nature, aimed at ensuring the security of the state rather than achieving ideological goals. However, ideology has played an important role in determining who Iran views as enemies or friends. The extent to which ideology and realism have influenced Tehran's foreign policy has varied depending on the level of regime consolidation and the intensity of factional competition. To identify long-term patterns in Iran's policies towards Saudi Arabia and clarify how they were formed, the interaction between realpolitik and ideology is carefully explored.

One of the key factors that have shaped Iran's policies towards Saudi Arabia is the issue of regional dominance. Iran has long sought to assert its influence in the region, particularly in the Persian Gulf, and has viewed Saudi Arabia as a potential rival. This rivalry has been exacerbated by the competition for regional resources, including oil and gas. Iran has also been concerned about Saudi Arabia's support for Israel and its role in the Middle East peace process.

To address these challenges, Iran has pursued a range of policies, including military buildup, diplomatic engagement, and economic cooperation. In the early 1980s, Iran launched a war with Iraq, which lasted for eight years and resulted in significant casualties on both sides. This war was primarily motivated by Iran's desire to assert its dominance in the region and to weaken Iraq's influence. However, the war also had negative consequences for Iran, including economic sanctions and international isolation.

Following the war, Iran began to pursue a more pragmatic approach to foreign policy. It signed a peace treaty with Iraq in 1988 and began to engage in diplomatic negotiations with Saudi Arabia. These negotiations led to the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in 1989, which includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The GCC has served as a platform for regional cooperation and has helped to reduce tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Despite these efforts, Iran's relationship with Saudi Arabia has remained complex. Iran has continued to support militant groups in the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, which have been involved in conflicts with Saudi Arabia. Iran has also accused Saudi Arabia of supporting terrorism and of interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.

In recent years, there have been signs of a thawing in the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia. This has been driven by a number of factors, including the rise of ISIS in the region and the need for regional cooperation to address the threat. In 2015, Saudi Arabia and Iran signed a landmark agreement to establish diplomatic relations, which was followed by a series of meetings between the two countries' leaders.

However, the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia remains fragile. There are still significant differences between the two countries on a range of issues, including the role of Iran in the Middle East peace process, the status of Israel, and the treatment of women and minorities.

One of the key challenges facing Iran's foreign policy towards Saudi Arabia is the issue of regime consolidation. Iran is a highly centralized state, and the regime has faced significant challenges in maintaining its control over the country. This has led to a range of internal conflicts, including the ongoing protests and unrest in the country.

To address these challenges, the regime has implemented a range of policies, including censorship, repression, and political repression. These policies have been criticized by human rights organizations and have contributed to the country's isolation.

In addition to regime consolidation, Iran's foreign policy towards Saudi Arabia has been shaped by the intensity of factional competition. Iran is a highly divided country, with different factions vying for power. This competition has been exacerbated by the economic crisis that has hit the country in recent years.

To address these challenges, the regime has implemented a range of policies, including economic reforms and social welfare programs. These policies have been successful in reducing poverty and inequality, but they have also been criticized by some members of the regime.

Despite these challenges, Iran's foreign policy towards Saudi Arabia has been successful in some respects. Iran has been able to assert its influence in the region, particularly in the Persian Gulf, and has been able to maintain its support for militant groups in the region. Iran has also been able to establish diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, which has helped to reduce tensions between the two countries.

However, there are still significant risks associated with Iran's foreign policy towards Saudi Arabia. Iran's support for militant groups in the region has been a source of concern for Saudi Arabia, and there is a risk that these groups could use Iran's support to launch attacks against Saudi Arabia. Iran's nuclear program has also been a source of concern for Saudi Arabia, and there is a risk that Iran could use its nuclear program to develop nuclear weapons.

In conclusion, Iran and Saudi Arabia are two major players in the Persian Gulf and the Islamic world, and their relationship has been complex and often contentious. While they have experienced significant changes in their relationship over time, ideology has played an important role in determining who Iran views as enemies or friends. The extent to which ideology and realism have influenced Tehran's foreign policy has varied depending on the level of regime consolidation and the intensity of factional competition. To identify long-term patterns in Iran's policies towards Saudi Arabia and clarify how they were formed, the interaction between realpolitik and ideology is carefully explored. While there have been signs of a thawing in the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia, there are still significant risks associated with Iran's foreign policy towards Saudi Arabia. It is important for the international community to work to address these risks and to promote regional stability and peace.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781409468578