Iranian Review of Foreign Affairs

Iranian Review of Foreign Affairs

Analyzing the Drivers Behind the Declining Importance of Oil in Future Iran–Saudi Relations

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Department of Political Science and International Relations, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Shahroud Branch, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Shahroud Branch, Iran
10.22034/irfa.2025.427186.1226
Abstract
Iran and Saudi Arabia have long competed as two regional powers, striving to expand their influence and safeguard their interests over the past five decades. While this rivalry has largely been non-military and indirect, it has manifested through political, ideological, informational, and economic avenues. The pivotal variable of oil has significantly shaped the competition between these nations. In recent years, a transition towards alternative energy sources has emerged, driven by factors such as dwindling oil reserves, economic inefficiencies, oil price volatility linked to global politics, potential fluctuations in demand, supply security concerns, sustainable economic practices, and environmental issues like global warming and climate change. Both Iran and Saudi Arabia have endeavored to diversify their energy portfolios, moving beyond oil dependency through initiatives like nuclear programs and exploration of other sources. Consequently, the influence of oil on their bilateral relations has evolved, losing some of its historical significance. This study aims to explore the factors that have diminished the importance of oil in shaping the dynamic between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Through the lens of the rentier state theory and scenario-writing method, the research reveals that technological advancements, the involvement of regional and extra-regional actors in West Asia, the impact of non-governmental entities, the shift towards alternative energy sources in the region, and the economic diversification efforts of both nations have collectively reduced the once-central role of oil in their relationship.
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Article Title Persian

تحلیلی از نیروهای محرکه تاثیرگذار بر اهمیت نفت در روابط ایران و عربستان سعودی

Authors Persian

حامد حریرفروش 1
احسان رازانی 2
امیرهوشنگ میرکوشش 2
1 گروه علوم سیاسی و روابط بین الملل، دانشکده علوم انسانی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، واحد شاهرود، ایران
2 استادیار، گروه علوم سیاسی و روابط بین الملل، دانشکده علوم انسانی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، واحد شاهرود، ایران
Abstract Persian

ایران و عربستان سعودی مدت‌ها به عنوان دو قدرت منطقه‌ای با یکدیگر رقابت کرده‌اند و در تلاش برای گسترش نفوذ و حفظ منافع خود در پنج دهه گذشته بوده‌اند. در حالی که این رقابت عمدتاً غیرنظامی و غیرمستقیم بوده است، اما از طریق مسیرهای سیاسی، ایدئولوژیک، اطلاعاتی و اقتصادی تجلی یافته است. متغیر محوری نفت به طور قابل توجهی رقابت بین این کشورها را شکل داده است. در سال‌های اخیر، انتقال به سمت منابع انرژی جایگزین پدید آمده است که ناشی از عواملی مانند کاهش ذخایر نفت، ناکارآمدی اقتصادی، نوسانات قیمت نفت مرتبط با سیاست‌های جهانی، نوسانات احتمالی تقاضا، نگرانی‌های امنیتی عرضه، شیوه‌های اقتصادی پایدار، و مسائل زیست‌محیطی مانند گرمایش جهانی و تغییرات آب و هوایی است. هم ایران و هم عربستان سعودی تلاش کرده اند تا سبد انرژی خود را متنوع کنند و از طریق ابتکاراتی مانند برنامه های هسته ای و اکتشاف منابع دیگر فراتر از وابستگی به نفت حرکت کنند. در نتیجه، تأثیر نفت بر روابط دوجانبه آنها متحول شده و بخشی از اهمیت تاریخی خود را از دست داده است. هدف این مطالعه بررسی عواملی است که اهمیت نفت را در شکل‌دهی به پویایی بین ایران و عربستان سعودی کاهش داده است.

Keywords Persian

ایران
عربستان سعودی
نفت
دولت رانتیر
غرب آسیا
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  • Receive Date 27 November 2023
  • Revise Date 25 February 2024
  • Accept Date 21 April 2024