Iran's relations with the Middle East countries after the Cold War: Case studies of Syria, Israel and Saudi Arabia

Evolving Middle East politics, always in flux, have taken center stage of the world’s attention as the arena experiences profound changes that offer a complex landscape of the region. In light of this, it is critical to comprehend the aspects that form and drive Iran’s foreign policy, especially concerning its relations with significant regional actors such as Syria Israel, and Saudi Arabia. A thorough understanding of Iran’s foreign policy goals and decision-making procedures will help grasp how it positions itself strategically within the international geopolitical arena. Iran tries to strengthen the Islamic world through aiding Islamic organizations such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Through these proxy groups, Iran aims to stop the development of democratic values in the MENA region, as well as the development of Israeli presence in the Middle East. Moreover, Iran attempts to disrupt the power balance in the region with its neighboring countries to destabilize the existing geopolitical order and assert its influence. This is usually accomplished through proxy groups and strategic intervention through different layers of financial, military, and political dimensions. This manipulative approach that guides Iran’s foreign policy has resulted and a hostile relationship with Israel, a friendly relationship with Syria, and a competitive relationship with Saudi Arabia through proxy warfare. This fluctuating relationship between these Middle Eastern countries with Iran can be traced back to the 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution which marked a significant shift in Iran’s foreign policy. Whereas ideological, geopolitical, and religious factors influence the power struggle, they also shape the intricate nature of Middle East politics.