Saudi-Iranian Rapprochements Are Not New: Here’s a History

Saudi King Abdullah urged US to end Iran's nuclear program, stating "Cut off the head of the [Iranian] snake”.

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Saudis relied on US to contain Iran but failed, until March 2023 when they changed. This article explains their diplomatic history.

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The article examines three periods of relatively friendly relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia since the 1920s.

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Iran and Saudi Arabia's first friendly phase was limited by their threat environment in a multipolar world under UK influence.

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UK dominance and shared identity with the UK reduced cross-cutting conflicts, promoting stability. Nazi Germany's attempts led to tension and trouble.

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During the second phase, Iran and Saudi Arabia had a friendly alliance with the US, working together in various arenas.

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Iran and Saudi Arabia were close allies in the 1960s and 1970s, supported by the US in a bipolar world order.

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Iran and Saudi Arabia's fear of Soviet Union-aligned states brought them together, but Tehran's departure in 1979 caused a shift.

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