Pre-Revolutionary Iran-Saudi Arabia Relations: A Complex Tapestry of Cooperation and Underlying Tensions

Before the seismic shifts of the 1979 Revolution in Iran, the relationship between Tehran and Riyadh, specifically between the Pahlavi dynasty under the Shah and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, presented a complex tapestry woven with threads of cooperation, competition, and underlying tensions. These two regional powers, both significant players in the Middle East and key actors in the global oil market, navigated a dynamic landscape shaped by Cold War politics, regional ambitions, and differing interpretations of Islam. Despite periods of cordiality and shared interests, the seeds of future discord were subtly sown in these earlier interactions.