دور المتغير المذهبي في العلاقات السعودية-الإيرانية (2003-2017)‎

الملخص EN

This study aims to attempt to measure the impact of sectarian variable on the relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, in order to understand the nature of the two states’ competition in the "Middle East".

Where the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran are two of the most important regional Actors, given by the geopolitical and geostrategic elements.

Despite the presence of a group of internal and external factors affecting their relations, some analysts often focus on the sectarian factor as a main variable in the framework of the Saudi- Iranian competition, on the other hand, some studies agree that the interest and national security are the basic objectives.

Accordingly, this study focuses on the period from 2003, which represents the U.S occupation of Iraq, to 2017, when President Donald J.

Trump took office in the United States of America.

After examining the hypotheses put forward the study reached the conclusion that both countries employ the doctrine to achieve strategic interests.