Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict
Indirect conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Iran and Saudi Arabia are engaged in an ongoing struggle for influence in the Middle East and other regions of the Muslim world.[93] The two countries have provided varying degrees of support to opposing sides in nearby conflicts, including the civil wars in Syria[94][95] and Yemen;[96] and disputes in Bahrain,[97] Lebanon,[98] Qatar,[99] and Iraq.[100] The struggle also extends to disputes or broader competition in other countries globally including in West,[101][102] North[103] and East Africa,[102][104] South,[105][106][107][108][109][110] Central,[111][110] Southeast Asia, the Balkans,[112] and the Caucasus.[113]
In what has been described as a new cold war, the conflict is waged on multiple levels over geopolitical, economic, and sectarian influence in pursuit of regional hegemony.[114][115] The rivalry has drawn comparisons to the dynamics of the Cold War era.[116]
As of 2017[update], the rivalry is primarily a political and economic struggle exacerbated by religious differences, and sectarianism in the region is exploited by both countries for geopolitical purposes as part of a larger conflict.[115][117][118] Iran sees itself as the leading Shia Muslim power, while Saudi Arabia sees itself as the leading Sunni Muslim power (see Shia–Sunni relations).[119]
As of 10 March 2023, diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have been restored due to Chinese-Iraqi brokered talks,[120] which could have positive implications in the political climate of the Middle East.[121] The deal was concluded after Iranian agreement to stop its military support for the Houthi militants in the Yemeni civil war.[122][123]