Iran and Saudi: An open conflict or an agreement that preserves the interests of all?

The conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia has escalated in the past few days due to the catastrophes that have taken place during Hajj and the death of hundreds of pilgrims, especially Iranians.

Officials in Iran and Saudi Arabia have exchanged accusations as to who is truly responsible for what has taken place during the Hajj season and how best to deal with the aftermath of this disaster. However, it is important to note that the source of conflict between the two countries does not revolve around the question of Hajj exclusively, on the contrary, the disagreements between the two stem from disagreement surrounding the regional climate and the events taking place in the Arab and Islamic world in countries such as Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Bahrain, Lebanon, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Moreover, the ideological, religious and political disagreements that exist between the two countries, which have been portrayed in the media, can be found everywhere around the world, especially in the Muslim world or any place where Muslims are widespread.

Unfortunately, this conflict, despite it being categorised as political and tied to the two countries both regionally and internationally, often takes on a religious front both ideologically and nationally. This is due to the fact that Iran is one of the most important countries in the Islamic world and the only one that exclusively adopts Shiism. It is a country that identifies as Persian despite the fact that there are many other ethnic minorities and religious groups living there. As for Saudi Arabia, it advocates that it is the guardian of Wahabism and that it is the sole active Sunni state in power due to its role as the custodian of the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madina. Saudi Arabia is home to tens of Islamic institutions and possesses massive economic resources due to its petroleum resources. The general façade of Saudi Arabian (state) identity is Sunni although the country itself is home to all types of sects and schools of religious thought and while it is not the largest Muslim nation, it still serves as the home base for global Islamic cooperation throughout the globe.

The relationship between Iran and Saudi was not always tense, especially during the reign of the former Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi when many trust-based relations took place in regards to many regional and international issues and their joint approach to dealing with the US, Britain and France. The two countries also stood together in opposition to Nasser’s government in Egypt. Relations between Iran and Saudi only took a turn for the worst after the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the victory of Khomeini’s revolution. There have been two exceptionally calm periods during the presidencies of Hashemi Rafsanjani and Dr Mohammad Khatami, which confirms that the root of the problem is not sectarian, religious, or national, but has more to do with politics and the status quos in the Arab-Islamic world.

The relationship between the two countries took a downward spiral within the last ten years after the American occupation of Iraq and the increased presence of Iranian influence in the country. There is also the development that took place in Lebanon after the assassination of President Rafic Al-Hariri and the Israeli attacks on Lebanon in 2006. Finally, tensions escalated in light of the recent developments in Bahrain, Syria, Yemen, the Arab revolutions and of course the agreement surrounding the Iranian nuclear deal between Tehran and the P5 + 1. Then, of course, there is the recent catastrophe that took place during Hajj.

Today, these relations are undergoing their worst period despite the fact that the US administration and American President Barack Obama have been working for quite some time to improve the relationship between the two countries, especially after an agreement was reached surrounding the Iranian nuclear programme. Obama seeks to pacify issues and conflicts within the Middle East so that he can focus on other issues.

Yet, it appears that all efforts that are aimed at getting the two parties to meet at the negotiations table have yet to succeed. The fear is that the conflict will escalate anew and that it will be affected by sectarian, religious and nationalistic values, which means that we could find ourselves in the midst of a Sunni-Shia-Arab-Persian civil war that could go on for tens of years. This is the biggest catastrophe of all.

Is it possible to search for political solutions between the two countries that are based on shared values and interests, as well as respect for religious and ethnic diversity in the region? Would it be possible to work together to bring an end to the numerous conflicts within the region or will hate and wars continue for some time?

It is within the interests of both countries and the entire Arab and Islamic world to stop this conflict because we are all paying the price. What we require is a political solution and to meet at the negotiations table to search for political solutions. Who will dedicate himself or herself to this mission before it is too late?

Translated from Arabi21, 30 September 2015.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.