Pillar Security | THE FUTURE OF IRAN-GULF RELATIONS
The rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, formalised in March 2023, represents a significant milestone in the ongoing détente within the Gulf region. This rapprochement appears solid even amid the rising tensions surrounding the Gaza war, as demonstrated by the recent Iran-Saudi meeting held in Doha in October. However, several obstacles continue to hinder the continuation of regional détente. These include territorial disputes and competing claims over gas fields involving Tehran, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait City, and Riyadh. Indeed, security concerns remain prevalent, and the economic potential of the rapprochement is yet to be fully accomplished.
What does the future hold for Iran-Gulf relations? How can mutual mistrust be overcome and the détente process carried on? How to strengthen economic and energy partnerships and leverage them to resolve persistent territorial disputes? Which sectors hold the greatest potential for advancing regional cooperation? And how might the evolving Iran-Gulf dynamics impact Mediterranean geopolitics, given the interlinked security and energy interests in both regions?
