Relationship dossier
Iran
Saudi Arabia
Relationship assessment
A regional rivalry moderated by restored diplomatic relations and renewed engagement
Iran toward Saudi Arabia
-25Iran has supported Yemen's Houthi movement, which has fought Saudi Arabia and attacked Saudi territory. Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed in 2023 to restore diplomatic relations, and Iranian pilgrims have participated in the Hajj under arrangements with Saudi authorities.
Saudi Arabia toward Iran
-25Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran in 2016 after protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran following the execution of Nimr al-Nimr. Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed in 2023 to restore relations and reopen diplomatic missions. Saudi Arabia has also led military operations in Yemen against the Houthis, whom Iran supports.
Overall relationship
-25The relationship combines a durable regional security rivalry, particularly over Yemen and regional influence, with a significant diplomatic rapprochement. Restored relations and Hajj arrangements provide channels for engagement, while the underlying political and security disputes remain consequential.
How to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
Iran and Saudi Arabia have a long-running regional rivalry, including disputes connected to Yemen and competing regional influence. Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran in 2016, but the two governments agreed to restore relations in 2023 and reopened diplomatic missions. The rapprochement and cooperation over Iranian pilgrims have eased tensions without resolving major security and political disagreements.
Areas of tension
- Rivalry over regional influence and security
- The Yemen conflict and Iranian support for the Houthis
- The 2016 rupture of diplomatic relations after attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran
Key developments
Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran after protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran following the execution of Nimr al-Nimr.
Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies in an agreement announced in Beijing.
Major uncertainties
- The extent and durability of the 2023 rapprochement remain uncertain.
- The scope of continuing security cooperation and communication is unclear.