Iranian-Saudi Strategic Competition in the Middle East: An Analysis of the Arab Spring

Sania Zehraa; Noor Fatima; Noor Ullah Khan

doi:10.47264/idea.lassij/2.2.7

Authors

Sania Zehraa Department of Politics & International Relations, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan | Department of Political Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0703-6933
Noor Fatima Department of Politics & International Relations, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Noor Ullah Khan Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5081-7404

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47264/idea.lassij/2.2.7

Keywords:

Saudi-Iran Rivalry, Iran-Iraq Relations, Syrian Crisis, Gulf States, Persian Gulf

Abstract

The major regional players in Mideast, including Iran and Saudi Arabia always intervened in politics of neighbouring countries with different political strategies. This study explores factors that played key role in changing their strategies towards the regional politics. The research is helpful to know dynamics of Iranian and Saudi relations keeping in view the US factor. The research is helpful in assessing certain political objectives of both countries. The paper tries to examine recent gulf between the status of both countries in relation with the hindrances and possibilities that lies between them. The foreign policies and political situation of both countries is leading towards a greater change in Mideast region. The growing relations and foreign policies of these countries have certain objectives and due to globalisation, no country can live in isolation. This research provides a clear picture of recent gulf political situation which is leading toward a great change in scenario. Having different ideologies, the two important countries of Middle East have completely different priorities and objectives for the regional peace and stability. Therefore, this qualitative study is helpful in determining the objectives of both states towards resolving the political unrest and security issues in the Middle East.

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