The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran has been characterized by tension and conflict for decades. The two nations are the largest powers in the Middle East and their rivalry has been a significant factor in shaping regional politics. In this article, we will explore the history of the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the causes of their rivalry, and the impact it has had on the region.

Historical Background:

The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran dates back centuries. Both countries are home to important sites for the Islamic faith, Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia and Mashhad in Iran. However, it was not until the 20th century that the relationship between the two countries became strained. In the 1950s and 1960s, Saudi Arabia was seen as a leader of the conservative Arab monarchies, while Iran was a secular, pro-Western nation under the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

The Iranian Revolution in 1979, which saw the overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of an Islamic Republic, marked a turning point in the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The new Iranian government was openly critical of the Saudi monarchy and its close relationship with the United States. The two countries took opposite sides in the Iran-Iraq War, which lasted from 1980 to 1988, with Saudi Arabia backing Iraq and Iran supporting the Iraqi opposition.

Causes of Rivalry:

The rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran has been fueled by a variety of factors, including religious differences, geopolitical interests, and regional power struggles. At the core of the conflict is the Sunni-Shia divide. Saudi Arabia is a Sunni-majority country, while Iran is a Shia-majority country. The two countries have supported opposing sides in conflicts throughout the region, with Saudi Arabia backing Sunni groups and Iran supporting Shia groups.

Geopolitical interests have also played a significant role in the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Both countries seek to exert influence over the region, with Saudi Arabia being a key ally of the United States and Iran opposing US influence in the Middle East. Iran's support for Shia groups throughout the region, including in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, has been seen as a threat to Saudi Arabia's dominance in the region.

Impact on the Region:

The rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran has had a significant impact on the Middle East. The two countries have backed opposing sides in conflicts throughout the region, including in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon. This has fueled sectarian tensions and has contributed to the destabilization of the region.

In Yemen, the Saudi-led coalition has been fighting against Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people facing famine and disease. In Syria, Iran has been a key supporter of the Assad regime, while Saudi Arabia has backed opposition groups. The conflict in Syria has led to the displacement of millions of people and has contributed to the rise of extremist groups.

The rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran has also had an impact on the global oil market. Both countries are major producers of oil and have been involved in a long-standing battle for market share. This has led to fluctuations in oil prices and has had an impact on the global economy.

Iran, Saudi Relation Latest News

Riyadh cut ties after Iranian protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions in 2016 following the Saudi execution of revered Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr -- just one in a series of flashpoints between the two longstanding rivals. Regional powerhouses Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed Friday to restore ties and reopen diplomatic missions in a surprise, Chinese-brokered announcement that could have wide-ranging implications across the Middle East.

In a trilateral statement, Shiite-majority Iran and mainly Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia said they would reopen embassies and missions within two months and implement security and economic cooperation deals signed more than 20 years ago.



Riyadh cut ties after Iranian protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions in 2016 following the Saudi execution of revered Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr — just one in a series of flashpoints between the two longstanding rivals.

Friday’s announcement, which follows five days of previously unannounced talks in Beijing and several rounds of dialogue in Iraq and Oman, caps a broader realignment and efforts to ease tensions in the region.

“Following talks, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have agreed to resume diplomatic relations and reopen embassies and missions within two months,” said the joint statement, which was published by both countries’ official media.

The detente between Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, and Iran, a pariah for Western governments over its nuclear activities, has the potential to reshape relations across a region characterised by turbulence for decades.

Iran and Saudi Arabia support rival sides in several conflict zones including Yemen, where the Huthi rebels are backed by Tehran and Riyadh leads a military coalition supporting the government. The two sides also vie for influence in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq.