Vývoj vzájemných vztahů Saúdské Arábie a Íránu v 21. století

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran are both significant oil producers able to affect global oil prices and long-standing strategic rivals affecting the stability of the Middle Eastern region. This diploma thesis analyses bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which are having a significant impact not only on political-strategic environment of Persian Gulf. Saudi-Iranian relations are characterized by indirect fighting for regional dominance, which is exacerbated by emphasized religious differences. The aim of the paper is to ascertain how the mutual relations have been developing in the 21st century and which factors affect these relations the most. The findings are, in addition, focused, on the religious nature of the relationship and allow to disprove a hypothesis that considers sectarian differences as a principal determining factor in the Saudi-Iranian rivalry. The thesis examines the development of Saudi-Iranian relations since the 20th century, which is determinative for the development of mutual relations in the 21st century. Within the 21st century the Arab Spring period unleashing proxy conflicts and transforming the Middle Eastern region into the battlefield of the Saudi-Iranian rivalry is highlighted. Saudi-Iranian relations have been gradually sharpening since the events of the Arab Spring, which are also related to the conclusion of the agreement on the Iranian nuclear program and to the fact that Iran is in many aspects considered to be the winner of the struggle for the role of regional leader. The latest developments in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, intensified by Trump's support for the Saudi officials, alarmed a number of observers fearing that the current level of relations could turn into an open war that would further exacerbate the instability and fragmentation of the Middle East and have an enormous impact on the world's energy markets.