Iran’s ties with its Gulf neighbors shifted from interdependence to outright rivalry. Several events drove this change.
In 1971, Iran seized Abu Musa and the Tunbs after the British left. This sparked immediate disputes with Gulf states.
The 1979 Revolution replaced a pro-Western monarchy with an Islamic regime. This intensified sectarian tensions with the predominantly Sunni Gulf nations.
During the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, Gulf states backed Iraq. They formed the Gulf Cooperation Council in 1981 to counter Iran’s influence.
The 1991 and 2003 Iraq wars weakened regional counterweights. This allowed Iran to expand its reach in the Gulf.
Competition in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq continued through the 2017 Qatar diplomatic crisis. Strategic rivalry persisted.
Gulf states now seek regional autonomy. They engage pragmatically with Iran. Disillusionment with U.S. security guarantees drives this shift. They want to avoid conflict and protect economic interests.
Sectarian tensions between Shia Iran and Sunni Gulf states fuel rivalry. Ethnic and nationalist narratives play a role too. These identities serve as tools in foreign policy to manage competition and territorial disputes.
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