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Iran Vs. Saudi Arabia: Unraveling The Mideast Rivalry

Jayme Macejkovic

The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East has long been defined by complex rivalries, and none is perhaps more enduring and impactful than the one between Iran and Saudi Arabia. These two regional powerhouses, despite their recent diplomatic rapprochement, have historically been at odds, driven by deep-seated sectarian, political, and geopolitical differences. Understanding the nuances of this dynamic is crucial for anyone seeking to comprehend the region's past, present, and future trajectory.

For decades, the relationship between Tehran and Riyadh has oscillated between cold war and outright proxy conflict, shaping conflicts from Yemen to Syria and beyond. While a landmark agreement in March 2023 offered a glimmer of hope for de-escalation, the underlying tensions and strategic ambitions of both nations continue to influence regional stability. This article delves into the multifaceted dimensions of the Iran-Saudi rivalry, exploring its historical roots, key flashpoints, and the evolving dynamics that continue to define it.

Table of Contents

A Historical Divide and Deepening Differences

The rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia is not a recent phenomenon but rather one deeply embedded in the region's history. These two nations have historically been regional rivals, divided by sectarian, political, and geopolitical differences. Iran, predominantly Shia, and Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Sunni Islam and home to its holiest sites, represent opposing poles in the Islamic world. These sectarian distinctions have often been weaponized in political struggles, fueling mistrust and competition for regional dominance.

While the rivalry has always simmered, the past 15 years in particular have seen the differences between Saudi Arabia and Iran sharpened by a series of events. This period has witnessed an escalation in proxy conflicts, increased rhetoric, and a heightened sense of competition for influence across the Middle East. The foundational divergence stems from their respective visions for regional order and their differing alliances with global powers, making the dynamic of Iran against Saudi Arabia a central theme in Middle Eastern politics.

The Impact of Global Events and Regional Destabilization

Major global and regional events have significantly impacted and intensified the Iran-Saudi rivalry. The 9/11 attacks on the United States in 2001, where 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudi nationals, and the deadly Al Qaeda bombings in Riyadh in 2003, forced a course correction in Saudi Arabia's foreign policy. These events highlighted the dangers of extremist ideologies and the need for a more proactive stance in international affairs, particularly concerning regional stability.

In 2013, Saudi Ambassador to Britain Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz Al Saud wrote an editorial in The New York Times, criticizing Saudi Arabia's Western allies for not taking bold enough measures against Syria and Iran. He argued that this inaction was destabilizing the Middle East and forcing Saudi Arabia to become more aggressive in international affairs. This public condemnation underscored Riyadh's growing frustration with perceived international passivity and its determination to counter what it saw as Iranian expansionism. The perception of a destabilized region, partly due to Iran's actions, further fueled the strategic competition between Iran against Saudi Arabia.

The Costly Proxy Wars and Sectarian Strife

For decades, the states had waged a proxy war against each other, turning various regional conflicts into battlegrounds for their competing interests. These proxy conflicts have exacted a heavy toll in human lives and regional stability, deepening the animosity between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Yemen: The Epitome of Proxy Conflict

Perhaps the most prominent example of this proxy warfare is the conflict in Yemen. In Yemen, Iran backed Houthi rebels, while Saudi Arabia waged a campaign in support of government forces. This conflict, which has led to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, became a direct arena for the Iran against Saudi Arabia struggle, with both sides pouring resources into their respective proxies. The Saudi-led coalition's intervention, aimed at restoring the internationally recognized government, was largely seen as a direct response to what Riyadh perceived as Iranian encroachment on its southern border. The ongoing fighting and the humanitarian catastrophe it spawned underscore the destructive nature of this rivalry.

Sectarian Tensions and Internal Strife

Beyond Yemen, sectarian tensions have frequently flared, exacerbated by actions from both sides. A significant flashpoint occurred when Iran and Saudi Arabia were locked in an escalating dispute over the Saudi execution of leading Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. His execution in January 2016 sparked outrage across the Shia world, leading to protests and attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran, which in turn prompted Saudi Arabia to sever diplomatic ties. Shia communities in several countries protested against the Sheikh's death, highlighting how internal events in one country can trigger widespread regional unrest due to the deep sectarian fault lines exploited by the Iran against Saudi Arabia rivalry.

A Fragile Rapprochement: The March 2023 Agreement

Despite the deep-seated animosity and history of conflict, a surprising turn of events occurred in March 2023. Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to resume diplomatic ties, mediated by China. When Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic relations in March 2023, the rapprochement seemed fragile. The two regional powers set modest public expectations for the pact, with supporters hoping it would, at the very least, help contain violence in Arab countries where both states play a role, and prevent new wars from emerging. The March 2023 agreement has reportedly led Tehran and Riyadh to make concessions, signaling a potential shift in their long-standing animosity.

However, the path to full normalization is fraught with challenges and lingering mistrust. Notably, in June 2023, Saudi Arabia requested to switch the venue of a joint press conference, as the room featured a picture of the late commander of Iran’s Quds Force, General Qassim Soleimani. This incident, and another similar one that occurred, underscored the sensitivities and deep-seated grievances that persist, even after the diplomatic breakthrough. It highlights that while the two nations are willing to engage, the scars of their past rivalry, particularly the animosity between Iran against Saudi Arabia, remain fresh and easily triggered.

Lingering Mistrust and Unconfirmed Military Drills

Even after the March 2023 agreement, signs of lingering mistrust and the potential for continued friction remain. For example, on December 6, 2021, Saudi air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile above Riyadh, causing shrapnel to fall in several areas. Such incidents, even if not directly attributed to Iran, highlight the ongoing security challenges in the region and the need for continued vigilance. The underlying tensions, despite diplomatic overtures, mean that the potential for conflict, or at least heightened security measures, remains a constant backdrop to the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Adding to the complexity, there have been unconfirmed reports of potential military cooperation. Tehran, Iran — Iran and Saudi Arabia are planning to conduct joint military exercises in the Red Sea, according to an Iranian report not confirmed by Riyadh, in what would be a first for the region. If confirmed, such exercises would mark a significant departure from decades of rivalry and could signal a new era of regional security cooperation. However, the lack of confirmation from Riyadh also points to the sensitivity and potential political hurdles surrounding such initiatives, demonstrating the cautious approach both nations are taking in redefining the dynamics of Iran against Saudi Arabia.

A Shared Adversary: Saudi Arabia and Israel on Iran

While the focus is often on the direct rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the role of external actors, particularly Israel, adds another layer of complexity. Interestingly, despite their own long-standing tensions with Iran, Saudi Arabia has, at times, publicly condemned Israeli actions against Iran, showcasing a nuanced approach to regional stability that prioritizes international law and sovereignty.

Saudi Condemnation of Israeli Strikes

Riyadh, long a Tehran rival before reconciling in 2023, strongly condemned a wave of strikes that Israel launched against military and nuclear sites in Iran on Friday (June 13, 2025). The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty. Saudi Arabia on Friday condemned the Israeli attacks in Iran, terming the strikes “blatant” and “a clear violation of international laws and norms.” Calling to “immediately halt the aggression,” Saudi Arabia, in an official message, mentioned, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran.” This consistent and strong condemnation, even when the target is Iran, highlights Saudi Arabia's adherence to principles of sovereignty and its concern over broader regional destabilization, rather than simply supporting any action against its rival, Iran against Saudi Arabia.

Nuclear Concerns and International Law

The Saudi position on Israeli strikes also extends to concerns over nuclear facilities. Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC) said that “any armed attack by any party targeting nuclear facilities dedicated to peaceful purposes constitutes a violation of international resolutions.” The warning comes as Israel has been targeting several Iranian nuclear sites. This statement reflects a broader concern for international norms and the potential for escalation if nuclear facilities become targets. It underscores that while Saudi Arabia views Iran as a rival, it also recognizes the dangers of unchecked military action that could destabilize the entire region, thus shaping its stance on conflicts involving Iran against Saudi Arabia.

Evolving Geopolitical Dynamics and Foreign Relations

The study explores the evolving geopolitical dynamics between Saudi Arabia and Iran following the Gaza war and the subsequent escalation between Israel and Iran. This recent period has added new layers of complexity to their relationship, forcing both nations to reassess their strategies and alliances. Wealthy Gulf countries are alarmed and anxious about Israel and Iran’s new war, understanding that any major conflict directly impacts their security and economic stability.

The paper also investigates the motivations behind each country’s current foreign policies and its relations with foreign actors such as the United States, Russia, and China. Iran and Saudi Arabia are led by starkly different men with profoundly different plans, which inherently influences their engagement with global powers. While Saudi Arabia has historically been a strong U.S. ally, its recent pivot towards China, especially in mediating the rapprochement with Iran, signals a more diversified foreign policy. Similarly, Iran's deepening ties with Russia and China reflect its efforts to counter Western pressure. These policies endured for 20 years, but the changing global order means both nations are constantly recalibrating their positions, impacting the broader context of Iran against Saudi Arabia.

The Future of Iran Against Saudi Arabia

The relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia remains one of the most critical determinants of stability in the Middle East. While the March 2023 agreement to restore diplomatic ties offered a significant ray of hope, it is clear that the path to genuine peace and cooperation is long and fraught with historical baggage and strategic mistrust. The incident involving the picture of General Qassim Soleimani, and the unconfirmed reports of joint military exercises, underscore the delicate nature of this rapprochement.

The two nations are led by starkly different men with profoundly different plans, and Iran called on Saudi Arabia to cut off its alleged funding to Iran, illustrating the deep-seated grievances that still need to be addressed. If Saudi Arabia chooses to support Iran, it could do so in several strategic ways, but such a scenario seems distant given the historical animosity. The ongoing geopolitical dynamics, particularly post-Gaza war, and the complex interplay with global powers like the United States, Russia, and China, will continue to shape how Iran against Saudi Arabia evolves. The wealthy Gulf countries, alarmed and anxious about any escalation, will undoubtedly continue to push for de-escalation and stability.

Ultimately, the future of the Iran-Saudi relationship will depend on their willingness to move beyond proxy conflicts and address core security concerns through dialogue and mutual respect. The world watches closely, as the stability of a vital global region hinges on the complex dance between these two formidable powers.

What are your thoughts on the evolving dynamics between Iran and Saudi Arabia? Do you believe the recent rapprochement will lead to lasting peace, or are deeper issues still at play? Share your insights in the comments below, and explore more of our articles on Middle Eastern geopolitics to deepen your understanding of this complex region.

Iran says no to nuclear talks during conflict as UN urges restraint

Iran says no to nuclear talks during conflict as UN urges restraint

Iran says no to nuclear talks during conflict as UN urges restraint

Iran says no to nuclear talks during conflict as UN urges restraint

Iran says no to nuclear talks during conflict as UN urges restraint

Iran says no to nuclear talks during conflict as UN urges restraint

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