– For centuries the Middle East has been in conflict with each other.. Due to their religious differences the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia has been a source for contention in the region 🇮🇷 🇸🇦 ️ !! This article will answer the question: Are Iran and Saudi Arabia allies?
Iran and Saudi Arabia have had a rivalry since the Islamic Republic of Iran’s founding in 1979, when Saudi Arabia refused to recognize it due to religious differences between both countries; Iran is predominantly Shia while Saudi Arabia predominantly Sunni 🇮🇷 🇸🇦 ️. As a result both countries began competing for regional influence and dominance all the way through the Middle East.
In recent years, the relationship between Iran, and Saudi Arabia has been strained due to their opposing policies in the region 🇸🇦. Iran has sought to increase its influence in Iraq Syria and Yemen, while Saudi Arabia has sought to contain Iranian influence, sponsoring, and backing Sunni groups. Additionally due to the current conflict in Syria Iran has sent troops to assist the Bashar al-Assad government while Saudi Arabia has supported the opposition forces 🇮🇷 🇸🇦 🇸🇾.
Despite the tensions, there have been recent attempts by both countries to improve their relationship . In 2017 the two sides exchanged prisoners the first time they had done so since the 1979 revolution. In 2018 the two sides held their first high-level talks in 40 years and agreed to open trade links 2️⃣. There have also been attempts between the two countries to cooperate on energy policy, as both countries are members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum 🔛 2️⃣.
Despite the recent attempts to improve relations Iran and Saudi Arabia remain far from being allies 🇸🇦 🇮🇷. This is due to their differences in religion political orientation and regional ambitions. The intense rivalry between the two countries has been further fuelled by the recent conflict in Yemen where they have backed opposing sides 2️⃣ 🇾🇪. Additionally Iran’s support of the Houthi rebels against the Saudi-backed government has further strained relations 🇸🇦. As a result it is unlikely that the two countries will become allies anytime soon 🔜 2️⃣ ️.
Although Iran and Saudi Arabia are not likely to end up being allies in the near future the current attempts to enhance relations need to not be marked down. An improved relationship between the two nations might have significant ramifications for local stability. If the two nations were to solve their distinctions it could cause higher local cooperation on energy economic and security problems. This might have favorable ramifications for the whole region and beyond.
Conclusion: Iran and Saudi Arabia may never be formal allies due to their differing religions, political ideologies and regional aspirations 🇮🇷 🇸🇦. Nonetheless recent efforts at improving relations and their potential consequences for regional stability should not be disregarded. While both countries still have a ways to go before becoming true allies, any progress towards improving their relationship should be welcomed. . .
Conclusion
Iran has sought to increase its influence in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, while Saudi Arabia has sought to contain Iranian influence, sponsoring and backing Sunni groups. Additionally, due to the current conflict in Syria, Iran has sent troops to assist the Bashar al-Assad government, while Saudi Arabia has supported the opposition forces. In conclusion, Iran and Saudi Arabia are unlikely to become formal allies due to their differences in religion, political orientation, and regional ambitions.
🔜 2️⃣ 🇾🇪 🇮🇶 🔛 🔚 🆙 🇸🇾 🇮🇷 🇸🇦 ️
