Relations between Iran and the Persian Gulf Arab States: Future Prospects

Despite some political circles predicted the rise of tension between Iran and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf after a change in government in Iran, Iran's efforts at expanding its relations continued. Reviewing the background of relations between the two sides of the Persian Gulf, this paper examines the hypothesis that the interest in keeping the relations on part of the both sides and some unprecedented initiatives by President Ahmadinejad led to the preservation of the overall level of bilateral relations. Although it is usually claimed that Iran's nuclear program and disputer over the three islands have caused certain ambiguities on the expansion of relations, it seems that U.S. regional policies and Israeli attempts are the main obstacles to such expansion. Considering that Persian Gulf security is a function of Iran's relations with the Arab states of the region, both sides need each other in order to keep the region safe and stable, though decreased tension between Iran and the United States is not desirable for some Arab states.