Iran's Intricate Relations with the Arab States of the Persian Gulf: ‎an Economic Analysis

Since 2003 the Persian Gulf region has turned to a ground for geopolitical conflict and competition between the Islamic Republic of Iran and some countries of this region, particularly Saudi Arabia. Most of the experts and analysts assess the tensions in this region from political and strategic view, while the economic aspect is practically neglected. The present article aims to analyze the disagreements between Iran and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf. The authors focus on economic integration/fragmentation and its ramifications for resolving or continuation of disputes. They would conclude that the low level of trade and economic integration between Iran and the Arab countries in the region would undermine the incentives for resolving the disagreements.