Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict
The Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict is a major proxy conflict considered to be a sub-conflict to the Second Cold War. The localized version of Cold War II is the most tense one, as Saudi Arabia and Iran fight for influence. During the course, the Syrian Civil War, the Yemeni Civil War, and the mass Shia executions by Saudi Arabia has led to breakdown in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Qatar diplomatic crisis and the Qatar–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict has also led to Turkish intervention into what some say would be a Third side to the conflict. Since 2016, Saudi Arabia has severed relations with Iran and ALgeria, a major Iranian ally, due to a stampede after KIng Salman executed a Shia clerk. Israel, even though it has no formal relations with Saudi Arabia and the majority of its allies, has also severed relations with Iran, due to American influence over Israel. Many countries including Saudi Arabia, the United States, Israel, Bahrain, the Emirates, Kuwait, Azerbaijan, and Morocco have either severed relations, or have sanctinons in place. Iran is a unitary, illiberal democracy, as it also takes elements of Authorianism and that of both Kleptocracy and Theocracy. Saudi Arabia is a Unitary, Absolute Kingdom. Both have poor human rights records, and Iranian proxies are mainly Terrorist militias.
History[edit]
Bckground[edit]
Iran during the majority of the Cold War, was a staunch American ally. After the Iranian Revolution that overthrew the Shah, relations between Iran and the United STates became unfriendly. The Soviets and Saudis condenmed the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the United States severed relations in 1980. Iraq, mainly within either camp, invaded Iran, which triggered an 8-year long war. The MEK (People's Mujahedeen of Iran) sided with Iraq, as did the Soviets, Americans, Chinese, and Saudi governments. The war ended in a stalemate between either side, as the war caused heavy casualties. Iranians accused the MEK for betraying their 'homeland'. The MEK was banned from Iran in 1981.
Early Years after the Irani-Iraqi war[edit]
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Arab separitism in Iran and Qatif unrest led to breakdowns in relations. Since Qatif has a signeficent Shia minority (aroung 30-55%), Iran intervened in Qatif, and Hezbollah al-Hejaz, a subdivision of Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy, intervened too and became inactive in the 1990s. Still supporting opposite sides in other conflicts, including:
- Saudi Arabia supported the Lebanese governemnt, Israel, the USA, and proxies.
- Iran supported Hezbollah, factions of the Lebanese Military, the PLO, and Syria.
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- Saudi Arabia supported the Mujahedeen in Afganistan, also supported by Pakistan, China, USA, UK, France, Lebanon, and Turkey
- Iran supported the Government of Afghanistan, the Soviets, and the North Koreans
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- Saudi Arabia supported North Yemen
- Iran supported South Yemen
