What is the main conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia?

The rivalry today is primarily a political and economic struggle exacerbated by religious differences, and sectarianism in the region is exploited by both countries for geopolitical purposes as part of a larger conflict. Iran is largely Shia Muslim, while Saudi Arabia sees itself as the leading Sunni Muslim power.

Who does Saudi Arabia have conflict with?

With outside powers having chosen sides along those lines, the conflict now pits the Middle East’s biggest rivals, Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia and Shiite-dominated Iran, against one another, with consequences for the entire world.

Was the United States ever neutral in the Iran-Iraq War?

The US remained officially neutral after Iraq’s invasion of Iran in 1980, which became the Iran–Iraq War, although it provided resources, political support, and some “non-military” aircraft to Iraq.

What if Iraq had gone to war with Saudi Arabia?

Iraq had no cause for war with Saudi Arabia beyond the desire for raw aggrandizement. Especially if the military campaign resulted in the defeat and destruction of the main forces of the Republican Guard and the Iraqi Army, the coalition might well have decided to finish the job and push to Baghdad.

Does Saudi Arabia have a diplomatic mission in Iraq?

In January 2008, Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia’s intention to open a diplomatic mission in Baghdad and appoint an ambassador. Saudi relations with Iraq have been problematic, vacillating from tension to de facto alliance to war.

What was the debt of Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War?

By the time the ceasefire with Iran was signed in August 1988, Iraq was heavily debt-ridden and tensions within society were rising. Most of its debt was owed to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Iraq’s debts to Kuwait amounted to $14 billion. Iraq pressured both nations to forgive the debts, but they refused.