BACKGROUND: Saudi-Iranian animosity is deep-rooted and the differences between the Sunnis and Shias are more a matter of style than theology. The extremists on both sides consider the others as heretics. Overall the Sunnis are currently in a vast majority in the Islamic world, while the number of Shias is very small as compared to Sunnis. Iran supposes itself to be the leader of the Shia world. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia is considered to be the leader of Sunni Islam. Saudi Arabia thinks that it is the base of the Islamic world’s leadership, while Iran opposes to the Saudi rule as being antithetical to Islam. However, the recent escalations between the two nations are due to regional competition for domination instead of the old rivalry between the two sects.
Iran and Saudi Arabia: A Competition for Regional Domination
The competition between Iran and Saudi Arabia for regional domination had resulted in a broad conflict on a number of different matters including religion, oil policy, support for opposing regional groups, and relationships with the United States. Saudi Arabia had developed and maintained a close relationship with the United States. On the other hand, Iran had ended their relations with the United States after the 1979 Iranian revolution.
After the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the subsequent growth of Iranian influence along with the empowerment of the Iraqi Shias at the cost of Iraqi Sunnis, sectarianism and sectarian regional alliances had escalated. Saudi Arabia and Iran had competed for regional influence and had frequently clashed in proxy arenas such as Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Saudi Arabia is always an important Western ally and is backed by consecutive Western governments. Saudi Arabia has huge oil resources and it is also a reliable customer of Western products, including military equipment.
A Blame Game between Iran and Saudi Arabia
In Yemen, a Saudi-led coalition has been supporting pro-government groups in their conflicts against the Iran-supported rebel Houthi movement. Iran has rejected that it is supplying weapons to the Houthis, who have scaled up their drone and missile attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and other parts of cities. Saudi Arabia has also blamed Iran for interfering in Iraq and Lebanon, where Iranian-led Shia militias have gained huge military and political influence.
Saudi Arabia regards almost every problem in the region as emerging from Iran. For the Iranians, Saudi Arabia is perceived as suppressing dissident Shia elements at home or anywhere in the Gulf. Iran sees Saudi’s refusal as Iran’s rightful role as a regional power.
The United States Foreign Policy
In addition to seeking to rejoin the Iran nuclear deal, President Joe Biden has withdrawn the US support for the Saudi offensive operations in Yemen, marking a break with five years of military support for the Saudi-led coalition that is fighting Iran-backed rebels in the impoverished Arabian Peninsula’s poorest country. Saudi Arabia believes that they are more than 90% in agreement with the President Biden administration on matters related to the US and Saudi interests.
Joe Biden’s Administration and Recent Developments in Iran-Saudi Arabia’s Relations
Iran and Saudi Arabia recently confirmed their engagement in direct negotiations to reduce tensions between the two rivals and eventually normalize their diplomatic relationships. Officials from Iran and Saudi Arabia are sounding cautiously optimistic about these negotiations. Iran, which retaliated by violating major nuclear restrictions, is also currently negotiating with President Joe Biden’s administration indirectly on how to restore the nuclear deal.
Prince Mohammed Bin Salman considers the situation with Iran to be difficult; however, he is hopeful for having good relations with Iran in the future. United States is also working to find solutions for problems between the two rivals. President Biden wants good relations with both Iran and Saudi Arabia to resolve all issues and building relations that benefit everyone. In short, neither Iran nor Saudi Arabia is any models of rule of law, good governance, constitutional rule, and respect for human rights. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to openly back either of the two countries. The United States seems to remain neutral with both to defuse tensions.