Exploring Saudi Arabia's Behavior towards Iran Before and After Iran's Nuclear Deal with the P5+1

In this descriptive and analytical article, using library and internet resources, attempts have been made to study the behavior of Saudi Arabia towards the Islamic Republic of Iran before and after the nuclear deal in the form of two approaches of defensive and offensive realism. There are some differences in the Saudi Arabia's foreign policy towards the Islamic Republic of Iran before and after the nuclear deal, which can be analyzed in the framework of both defensive and offensive realistic approaches. Prior to the Iran nuclear deal, Saudi Arabia, in line with its traditional and conservative approach, had adopted a policy of diplomatic support and cooperation with international pressures and sanctions against Iran. However, after Iran's nuclear deal with the P5+1, for a variety of reasons - including the impact of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) on increasing Iran's regional and economic power, as well as concerns about Saudi Arabia’s interests being ignored by the Barack Obama’s administration - Saudi Arabia has sought to pave the way for its regional supremacy by prioritizing an aggressive realistic approach in its foreign policy towards Iran, through shifting the balance of power in its favor (proximity to Israel), increasing economic power (2030 agenda and reducing dependence on oil), and finally establishing international legitimacy (domestic reforms).