**The question of whether Iran and Saudi Arabia get along is one of the most critical and complex in Middle Eastern geopolitics.** Their relationship, often characterized by deep-seated rivalry, has shaped regional conflicts and alliances for decades. While historically at loggerheads, recent developments suggest a nuanced shift, yet significant tensions persist, making a definitive answer far from straightforward. Understanding the intricate dance between these two regional powers requires delving into their historical interactions, the flashpoints that have fueled their animosity, and the surprising moments of rapprochement that offer glimmers of hope for a more stable future. This article will explore the multifaceted nature of their relationship, examining why they often don't see eye-to-eye, the areas where their interests clash, and the tentative steps they've taken towards a more cooperative future. **Table of Contents** * [A Legacy of Rivalry: Why Don't Iran and Saudi Arabia Get Along?](#a-legacy-of-rivalry-why-dont-iran-and-saudi-arabia-get-along) * [The Proxy Battlegrounds: Where Tensions Flare Between Iran and Saudi Arabia](#the-proxy-battlegrounds-where-tensions-flare-between-iran-and-saudi-arabia) * [Syria: A Battle for Regional Influence](#syria-a-battle-for-regional-influence) * [Yemen and Libya: Echoes of a Wider Conflict](#yemen-and-libya-echoes-of-a-wider-conflict) * [Moments of Rapprochement: Glimmers of Hope for Iran-Saudi Relations](#moments-of-rapprochement-glimmers-of-hope-for-iran-saudi-relations) * [Sticking Points and Lingering Distrust: The Challenges to Getting Along](#sticking-points-and-lingering-distrust-the-challenges-to-getting-along) * [Shifting Sands: New Dynamics and Regional Roles](#shifting-sands-new-dynamics-and-regional-roles) * [The Economic Dimension: Oil, Sanctions, and Cooperation](#the-economic-dimension-oil-sanctions-and-cooperation) * [The Path Forward: Navigating a Complex Future](#the-path-forward-navigating-a-complex-future) * [Conclusion: Can Iran and Saudi Arabia Truly Get Along?](#conclusion-can-iran-and-saudi-arabia-truly-get-along) --- ## A Legacy of Rivalry: Why Don't Iran and Saudi Arabia Get Along? The relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in a complex interplay of historical grievances, geopolitical ambitions, and sectarian differences. Indeed, "Saudi Arabia and Iran are at loggerheads; they have long been rivals, but it's all recently got a lot more tense." This tension isn't a new phenomenon but has evolved over decades, often escalating in response to regional shifts and internal dynamics within each nation. Historically, there were periods of cooperation. For instance, "In 1968, Saudi Arabia and Iran signed a demarcation agreement," a significant move when "the United Kingdom announced it would withdraw and vacate the Persian Gulf in the late 1960s." At that crucial juncture, "Iran and Saudi Arabia took the primary responsibility for peace and security in the region." This period even saw the Shah of Iran sending "a series of letters to King Faisal" in the late 1960s, urging cooperation. Such historical moments highlight a past where, despite underlying differences, a degree of pragmatic collaboration was possible. However, the Iranian Revolution in 1979 fundamentally altered the regional landscape, introducing an ideological dimension that clashed with Saudi Arabia's conservative monarchy. The rivalry intensified, often manifesting through proxy conflicts across the Middle East. A stark illustration of this deep-seated animosity occurred on "4 January 2016, Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran, following attacks on the Saudi embassy in Tehran after predominantly Sunni Saudi Arabia's execution of a Shiite [cleric]." This incident "inflamed tensions between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran, which were already elevated due to the wider turmoil in the Middle East." Such events underscore the volatile nature of their relationship, where religious and political actions can quickly spiral into diplomatic crises. The question of "how come Saudi Arabia and Iran don't get along" often boils down to this potent mix of historical competition, ideological divergence, and a zero-sum perception of regional influence. ## The Proxy Battlegrounds: Where Tensions Flare Between Iran and Saudi Arabia The rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia is not confined to diplomatic spats; it plays out fiercely in various regional conflicts, often through proxy forces. These proxy wars are a primary reason why many observers believe it's difficult for Iran and Saudi Arabia to get along. Each side supports opposing factions, seeking to expand its own influence while diminishing the other's. ### Syria: A Battle for Regional Influence Syria became a major flashpoint where the competition between Tehran and Riyadh was starkly evident. "Saudi Arabia, along with other Gulf states, supported various Sunni rebel groups, seeking to topple Assad and weaken Iran’s influence in the region." Iran, on the other hand, was a steadfast ally of the Assad regime, providing crucial military and financial support. This direct confrontation of interests turned Syria into a brutal arena for their proxy war, deepening the chasm between the two powers. The Saudis viewed Iran's presence in Syria as an unwelcome expansion of its regional footprint, while Iran saw its involvement as defending an ally against what it perceived as foreign-backed aggression. ### Yemen and Libya: Echoes of a Wider Conflict Beyond Syria, the fingerprints of the Iran-Saudi rivalry can be seen in other conflict zones. In Yemen, "Hadian argued that Saudi Arabia has intervened in Yemen, but the Saudis do not give Iran the same right in Syria." This statement encapsulates the perceived hypocrisy and double standards that fuel the animosity. Saudi Arabia views its intervention in Yemen as countering Iranian influence, particularly through the Houthi movement, while Iran sees its support for certain groups as legitimate. Similarly, "Iran and Saudi Arabia have waged a proxy war in Libya." In this North African nation, "Saudi Arabia, along with the U.A.E, Egypt, and Sudan, have provided support to the Libyan National Army, and its leader warlord Khalifa Haftar." This demonstrates the breadth of their competition, extending far beyond the immediate Persian Gulf region. The involvement of other regional players alongside Saudi Arabia highlights the complex web of alliances and rivalries that define Middle Eastern politics, often with Iran and Saudi Arabia at the core of the opposing poles. Even seemingly unrelated regional actions can be viewed through the lens of this rivalry. For instance, "Saudi Arabia has further demonstrated its willingness to do battle with Iran with its latest round of measures against Qatar this week." While Qatar has its own complex dynamics, any move by Saudi Arabia to assert regional dominance is often interpreted as a strategy to contain or counter Iranian influence, whether directly or indirectly. These proxy engagements are a significant hurdle to any sustained effort for Iran and Saudi Arabia to get along. ## Moments of Rapprochement: Glimmers of Hope for Iran-Saudi Relations Despite the entrenched rivalry and the numerous flashpoints, the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia has not been a continuous downward spiral. There have been periods, albeit often fragile, where both nations have sought to de-escalate tensions and even restore diplomatic ties, suggesting a pragmatic understanding that perpetual conflict serves neither's long-term interests. One notable instance of renewed formal ties occurred in "1987." This came after a period of strained relations, including Saudi Arabia, "along with all the Arab states, broke diplomatic relations with and suspended aid to Egypt" in response to Egypt signing peace with Israel. The subsequent renewal of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia, even if short-lived or superficial, indicated a willingness to engage, perhaps driven by a desire to manage regional dynamics rather than allowing them to spiral out of control. More recently, a significant breakthrough occurred in "March 2023, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to resume diplomatic ties." This development, brokered by China, sent ripples of cautious optimism across the globe. "The restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia is 'major good news' in the current turbulent world and a 'victory' for dialogue and peace," according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This sentiment underscored the international community's hope that such a move could bring much-needed stability to a volatile region. However, the expectations for this rapprochement were deliberately modest. "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." This pragmatic approach acknowledged the deep-seated issues that remained but prioritized de-escalation and conflict prevention. It suggested that "after decades of rivalry, Iran and Saudi Arabia have understood that it is in their mutual interest to normalize their relations," even if true friendship remains a distant prospect. This mutual recognition of shared interests in regional stability, even if limited, offers the most significant hope for how Iran and Saudi Arabia might get along in the future. ## Sticking Points and Lingering Distrust: The Challenges to Getting Along While the agreement to restore diplomatic ties in March 2023 marked a significant step, it did not magically erase decades of animosity and distrust. The path forward for Iran and Saudi Arabia to truly get along remains fraught with challenges, as "a few sticking points remain." Indeed, "a year after restoring diplomatic ties, Saudi Arabia and Iran still experience tensions," underscoring the fragility of the rapprochement. One immediate indicator of this lingering distrust emerged shortly after the diplomatic restoration. "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 the mention of "another similar incident," highlights the deep emotional and symbolic wounds that persist. For Saudi Arabia, the image of Soleimani, a figure they view as orchestrating destabilizing activities, was an unacceptable symbol in a space meant for reconciliation. Such seemingly minor incidents reveal the profound psychological barriers that still hinder genuine trust between the two nations. Beyond symbolic gestures, more substantive issues continue to pose significant hurdles. Economic cooperation, often a powerful driver for normalized relations, faces considerable obstacles. "It is true that Western sanctions against Iran might stand in the way of economic cooperation." These sanctions limit Iran's ability to engage fully with the global economy, making large-scale Saudi investment or trade difficult, even if the political will existed. This economic impediment means that a crucial avenue for building mutual interest and interdependence remains largely blocked. Furthermore, the historical context of regional power struggles continues to cast a long shadow. The text notes that "President Obama's grand plan to stabilize the Middle East and wean the region off of American military involvement was ruined because Iran and Saudi Arabia/its GCC allies couldn't keep [peace]." This suggests that the fundamental inability of these regional giants to find common ground has historically undermined broader efforts at stability, implying that the deep-seated rivalry is not easily overcome. These persistent sticking points demonstrate that while both nations may desire a reduction in tensions, the journey for Iran and Saudi Arabia to genuinely get along is a long and arduous one, requiring sustained effort and a willingness to overcome deeply ingrained suspicions. ## Shifting Sands: New Dynamics and Regional Roles The landscape of the Middle East is perpetually in flux, and the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia is increasingly influenced by evolving regional dynamics and the changing roles of other players. These shifts sometimes create unexpected alignments or pressures that compel Riyadh and Tehran to reconsider their approaches, even if it doesn't mean they suddenly get along. One intriguing development is Saudi Arabia's increasingly assertive role in broader regional diplomacy. For instance, "Saudi Arabia along with Egypt are playing a key role in planning a ceasefire agreement to bring the US, Israel, Palestine on the same page." This highlights Riyadh's ambition to be a central mediator in major regional conflicts, a role that might necessitate a more stable environment, including reduced tensions with Iran. Such a broad diplomatic engagement suggests that Saudi Arabia's strategic interests extend beyond simply countering Iran, potentially opening avenues for indirect de-escalation. Paradoxically, Saudi Arabia has also shown a surprising stance regarding Israeli actions against Iran. "Saudi Arabia led Arab condemnation [of] Israel’s strikes on Iran early on Friday, which targeted multiple sites it linked to the country’s nuclear program and killed at least two top [officials]." This condemnation, coming from a nation that has quietly pursued its own "secret dialogue" with Israel, as mentioned by "Simultaneously Saudi Arabia and Israel initiated their early steps towards a secret dialogue," complicates the traditional narrative. It suggests that while Saudi Arabia views Iran as a rival, it may not necessarily endorse all actions taken against it, especially those that could destabilize the region further or infringe on its own perceived leadership of the Arab world. This nuanced position indicates that the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia is not a simple binary, but one influenced by a complex web of alliances and strategic calculations. Moreover, Iran has not been isolated in the region. "He noted that Iran has developed good relationships with Oman, Qatar, and Dubai." This demonstrates Iran's ability to forge diplomatic and economic ties with other Gulf states, challenging the notion of a monolithic anti-Iran bloc. These relationships might serve as channels for communication or even mediation, providing alternative pathways for regional dialogue that could indirectly influence how Iran and Saudi Arabia eventually get along. These shifting alliances and diplomatic maneuvers underscore that the dynamics between these two powers are constantly evolving, influenced by a multitude of internal and external factors. ## The Economic Dimension: Oil, Sanctions, and Cooperation The economic relationship, particularly concerning oil, is a critical yet often contentious aspect of how Iran and Saudi Arabia interact. Both are major oil producers, and their policies significantly impact global energy markets. This shared reliance on oil revenues could, in theory, be a basis for cooperation, but it often becomes another arena for competition, further complicating efforts for Iran and Saudi Arabia to get along. The global oil market is inherently sensitive to Middle Eastern stability. "Major oil producers around the Persian Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, have been racing to load tankers with exports, possibly as a hedge against the possibility that fighting [escalates]." This behavior indicates a deep-seated concern about potential disruptions, a concern often fueled by the very tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The threat of conflict, even proxy wars, can lead to market volatility, pushing producers to secure revenues in anticipation of future instability. This hedging behavior, while economically rational, also reflects a lack of trust in the region's future stability, which is directly tied to the Iran-Saudi relationship. A significant impediment to deeper economic cooperation is the web of international sanctions against Iran. As noted, "It is true that Western sanctions against Iran might stand in the way of economic cooperation." These sanctions severely restrict Iran's ability to engage in international trade and investment, making it difficult for Saudi Arabia or other GCC countries to pursue significant economic ventures there, even if the political will for rapprochement were stronger. The sanctions act as a de facto barrier, preventing the development of mutual economic interests that could otherwise serve as a powerful incentive for peace. However, there is a glimmer of possibility. The data suggests that "for instance, Saudi Arabia and the other GCC countries could each try to invest in just one project in Iran, which should serve to encourage Iran to deepen the reconciliation too." This idea proposes a pragmatic, step-by-step approach to economic engagement. Even small, symbolic investments could build confidence, demonstrate goodwill, and create a vested interest in continued stability. Such initiatives, if pursued, could slowly chip away at the economic isolation caused by sanctions and political distrust, potentially paving the way for a more robust economic relationship where Iran and Saudi Arabia find more reasons to get along. The economic dimension, therefore, remains a double-edged sword: a source of competition and a potential, albeit challenging, avenue for cooperation. ## The Path Forward: Navigating a Complex Future The journey for Iran and Saudi Arabia to truly get along is not a straightforward one, but rather a complex navigation through historical grievances, ongoing rivalries, and cautious attempts at reconciliation. The 2023 agreement to restore diplomatic ties was a significant milestone, driven by a mutual recognition that "it is in their mutual interest to normalize their relations." This pragmatic understanding, born out of decades of costly proxy wars and regional instability, suggests a shift towards prioritizing stability over ideological purity or absolute dominance. However, the "fragile" nature of this rapprochement, as highlighted by the "modest public expectations" set for the pact, underscores the deep-seated challenges that remain. Lingering distrust, as evidenced by incidents like the venue switch over a picture of General Soleimani, indicates that emotional and symbolic barriers are still potent. Furthermore, the persistent "sticking points" and the fact that "a year after restoring diplomatic ties, Saudi Arabia and Iran still experience tensions" demonstrate that the path to genuine reconciliation is a marathon, not a sprint. The external factors also play a crucial role. Western sanctions against Iran continue to hinder economic cooperation, limiting a potentially powerful avenue for building interdependence. Yet, the idea of small, targeted investments from Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries offers a practical way to "encourage Iran to deepen the reconciliation." This suggests that even incremental steps in economic engagement could foster greater trust and create shared stakes in regional stability. Ultimately, the future of how Iran and Saudi Arabia get along will depend on their ability to manage their core differences while identifying and expanding areas of mutual interest. Their evolving roles in regional diplomacy, such as Saudi Arabia's involvement in broader ceasefire efforts, and Iran's established relationships with other Gulf states, could create new dynamics for dialogue and de-escalation. While a complete alignment of interests seems unlikely in the near future, the pragmatic pursuit of stability and the avoidance of costly conflicts may continue to drive both nations towards a more cautious and managed relationship. ## Conclusion: Can Iran and Saudi Arabia Truly Get Along? The question of whether Iran and Saudi Arabia get along is not one with a simple "yes" or "no" answer. Their relationship is a tapestry woven with threads of deep historical rivalry, ideological divergence, and fierce competition for regional influence, manifesting in proxy wars across the Middle East. From the battlefields of Syria and Yemen to the diplomatic spats over symbolic gestures, the evidence of their discord is abundant. Yet, amidst this long-standing animosity, there are clear indications of a pragmatic shift. The restoration of diplomatic ties in March 2023, while fragile and accompanied by "modest public expectations," signaled a mutual understanding that perpetual conflict is unsustainable. Both nations have recognized that it is in their "mutual interest to normalize their relations" to some extent, aiming to "contain violence" and "prevent new wars from emerging." This strategic calculus, rather than a sudden blossoming of friendship, underpins the recent rapprochement. The path forward remains fraught with challenges, including lingering distrust, the impact of Western sanctions, and the complex interplay of regional alliances. However, the potential for incremental economic cooperation and the evolving diplomatic landscape offer glimmers of hope. While a complete resolution of their differences may be a distant dream, a future where Iran and Saudi Arabia manage their rivalry more constructively, prioritize regional stability, and engage in pragmatic dialogue seems increasingly plausible. The journey for Iran and Saudi Arabia to truly get along will be long and arduous, but the initial steps towards de-escalation suggest a recognition that cooperation, even limited, is preferable to endless confrontation. What are your thoughts on the future of Iran-Saudi relations? Do you believe they can overcome their deep-seated differences? Share your insights in the comments below, and explore our other articles on Middle Eastern geopolitics for more in-depth analysis of this critical region.
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