Post 9/11 Challenges in Saudi-Iran Relations in the Middle East Region

Abstract

Saudi-Iran are the two major powers in Middle East, have experienced strained relations since decades. In Middle East region there were three powers existed namely Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq, but post 9/11, the US led removal of Saddam Hussain reduced Iraq’s influence as a balancing power, leaving Saudi-Iran as the two dominant states competing each other. This paper investigates how the post-9/11 geopolitical landscape reshaped Saudi-Iran relations through sectarianism, nuclear rivalry, power struggle, and regional proxy conflicts. By studying and analyzing pivotal details from books, reports, research articles, newspapers, regional and international media, dissertations and other relevant literature was used to identify consistent themes of rivalry. There are key challenges between Saudi-Iran relations, particularly after the 9/11 incident, which are Sectarianism, Nuclear issue, Proxy wars, and US excessive involvement. It particularly answers the question what are the post 9/11 challenges in Saudi-Iran relations in the region. The moderate initiatives of the King Muhammad bin Salman are for strategic growth, internal stability, diplomatic engagement, and to improve their global image. Moderate policies encourage diplomatic efforts which reduce tensions by restoring their bilateral ties; e.g. China mediated talks between Saudi-Iran in 2023-2025, eventually restored their diplomatic relations. The “Moderate Islam” policy of King Muhammad bin Salman allows greater freedom in Saudi Arabia which ultimately reduces the appeal of Iran’s revolutionary ideology among its people, which creates potential tension between them. Findings suggest sectarian rhetoric often masked geopolitical objectives, while external actor, US deepened the rivalry in pursuit of their own interests

        Keywords: Middle East, sectarianism, hegemony, proxy conflicts, US involvement