Prospects of Tension Between Tehran and Riyadh

Although friction between Tehran and Riyadh is not a new phenomenon and dates back several decades, in recent weeks and months, these tensions have escalated more rapidly, with an unprecedented continuation of verbal clashes between the two countries. These diplomatic tremors intensified following the regional coalition led by Riyadh's attack on the Shiite Houthis in Yemen, who are supported by Iran, to the extent that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, made an unprecedented and blunt statement saying, 'The Saudis will definitely have their noses rubbed in the dirt.' On the other hand, King Salman of Saudi Arabia has called on other Gulf Arab countries – without naming Iran – to confront the 'external threat that seeks to dominate the region.' This diplomatic confrontation raises questions about how far it will go. What policy should Iran adopt regarding Saudi Arabia? How might a potential nuclear agreement and closer ties between Iran and global powers, especially the United States, impact the current balance of power in the region? Hossein Hassan-Yari, a professor of strategic relations currently in Muscat, Oman, was a guest on this week's 'Sixth Hour' program alongside Radio Farda's audience.