Iran’s Rivalry With Sunni Arab States (video, 3:38)
Compiled by Aidan New
Iran, a Shia- and Persian-majority theocracy, frequently clashes with its Sunni Arab neighbors, including Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. These tensions are rooted in religious and ethnic differences and geopolitical rivalries. Under the Abraham Accords of 2020, several Sunni Arab states have aligned themselves with Israel as they share a common enemy in Iran. This shift underscores the security threat posed by Iran and highlights the regional response to Iran’s 40-plus years of aggression.
Sunni Arab States Turn to Israel Because of Iran’s Hostility
Sunni Arab states recognize the danger of Iran and have set aside longtime ideological differences to normalize relations with Israel. Israel normalized relations with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Sudan through the Abraham Accords in 2020. Sunni Arab states hope to enhance their security and strategic interests by aligning closer with the United States and Israel against Iran.
- What are the Abraham Accords?
- How could Iran’s aggression affect Israel-Jordan relations?
Saudi Arabia Could Normalize Relations With Israel
Saudi Arabia has yet to establish official diplomatic ties with Israel; however, their shared adversary in Iran could alter this stance. Saudi and Israeli officials have met in recent years, signaling a potential normalization, which reportedly was close before the Hamas attack Oct. 7, 2023. As tensions with Iran escalate, the possibility of formal diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel rises.
- Example of the shifting Israeli-Saudi relationship: https://israeled.org/israeli-arabs-welcomed-in-saudi-arabia-diplomatic-breakthrough-or-cynical-ploy/
Conclusion
The evolving geopolitical landscape in the Middle East reflects the threat of Iran. As Sunni Arab states and Israel find common ground in opposition to Iran, new diplomatic relationships are being forged. The potential normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel would be a historic turning point and underscore their shared security and political concerns.