Iran and Saudi Arabia clarify their areas of influence: expert in Iranian Studies

YEREVAN, JANUARY 12, ARMENPRESS. Iran-Saudi Arabia confrontation is unlikely, but military operations in the territory of other countries are possible. The forces of Iran and Saudi Arabia can confront particularly in Syria attempting to clarify their areas of influence. Expert in Iranian studies Gohar Iskandaryan said the aforementioned to “Armenpress”, when talking about Iran-Saudi Arabia tension.

Saudi Arabia sentenced 47 people to death, including Shia Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. What problem does Saudi Arabia solve by this? There are public and political figures that have been in prison for years. Why did Saudi Arabia choose execution at this stage?

I would not lay emphasis on Shia-Sunni issues, as I do not see any religious factor in this process. Both the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia try to solve geopolitical issues here. They try to clarify their areas of influence. They have had this problem since 70s and have been struggling constantly. So I am inclined to think that this is more an issue of dividing areas of influence, simply religion in the framework of political Islam is being used here, that is to say the problem is flavored with religion by increasing the army of their followers, both Sunnis and Shia in their turn.

In the context of these developments, Saudi Arabia tries to gather around itself friendly, ally countries. Does Saudi Arabia manage it and what impact will it have on Iran?

First of all, I’d like to note that Saudi Arabia’s number one ally – the USA – strictly condemned this action. The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonalso strictly condemned the execution of 47 people. It is not like Saudi Arabia’s allies supported its actions. Certainly there were countries that came together around Saudi Arabia but I also see a clash of interests here. Bahrain is afraid of the actions of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We know that Iran has tried to spread its ideas in the region since 80s, using the activity of Shia. So the existing fear served as a basis for the union of some Arab countries around Saudi Arabia against Iran.

The expert also added that the increasing role of Iran in the region worried Saudi Arabia and its allies. The West noted that a number of problems including those in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan are impossible to solve without Iran. So Iran became one of the most important players in the region and the idea disturbed both Saudi Arabia, Turkey, a number of Arab countries and so they try to create a coalition against Iran.

Gohar Iskandaryan added that the tension will undoubtedly influence the entire region. Armenia does not feel any impact at this moment. The only problem is that the coalition against Iran will directly or indirectly involve Azerbaijan and that tension will be felt in the Caucasustoo. The expert emphasized that Turkey and Azerbaijan obviously try to merge against Iran, adding that Russia and Armenia will try to relieve the situation in the Caucasus.

Regarding the economic projects, Iskandaryan expressed an opinion that no problem is expected there and that the projects to be implemented in the framework of Iran-Armenia cooperation do not require great financial resources. So Iran probably will realize them.