Do Shia-Sunni Tensions Affect Iranian-Saudi Relations?

Today the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia is one of defining factors in Middle East political arena. The Islamic world's division into Shiite Sunni often considered a factor affecting bilateral relations Tehran Riyadh. positions itself as center gravity for all Shiites region, while seeks to form an anti-Iranian alliance on basis. This article assesses impact doctrinal tensions these two branches Islam Iranian approach towards its with Arabia. For this purpose, author analyses rhetoric officials, clerics, state-run media context main concepts contemporary religious ideology. concludes that criticism has lost connotation does not position confrontation Riyadh fight against enemies or apostates. traditional epithets classifying their holders supporters forces darkness actively used Western countries Israel are cited by critics dynasty. Moreover, Wahhabism movement linked kingdom's current leadership. On contrary, foreign domestic policies focuses condemning authorities' infringement human rights freedom, supporting protest Iran, fighting Houthis. Even persecution Arabia, which press devoted considerable attention, viewed from perspective global concept rights, rather than struggle group another. kingdom ideological enemy since Revolution been US Israel. statements some representatives establishment need peaceful coexistence countries, along March 2023 agreements normalizing indicate Tehran's pragmatic interaction affected ShiaSunni controversy dogmatic dimensions.