Author: Quchqorov, Ma’ruf Ali o‘g‘li

Annotation: This article analyzes the formation, development, and role of the religious-political factor in the relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran within the modern system of international relations. The study examines the process through which the historical differences between Sunnism and Shiism evolved into interstate rivalry, the geopolitical transformations following the Iranian Islamic Revolution, and the intensification of sectarian conflicts in the Middle East after the events of the “Arab Spring.” Furthermore, the article reveals how the geopolitical interests of Saudi Arabia and Iran are manifested through religious factors in the conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, and Lebanon. The research employs historical, comparative, systemic, and geopolitical methods of analysis. As a result, it is argued that the confrontation between Saudi Arabia and Iran is not solely religious in nature, but also represents a struggle for regional leadership, security, and geostrategic interests.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Sunnism, Shiism, religious-political factor, Middle East, geopolitics, Arab Spring, sectarian conflict, Islamic factor, regional security, political Islam, Wahhabism, Shiite revolution, legitimitation.

Pages in journal: 419 - 425