The Transition of Saudi Arabia to Status of "Middle Power" and its Consequences on Regional order in the Persian Gulf

The change in the security environment of the Persian Gulf, as a subsystem in the Middle East regional security complex, is important for all countries, including Islamic Republic of Iran. The promotion of Saudi Arabia to the position of “middle power” is one of these developments. This promotion and its impacts on the regional order in the Persian Gulf is considered in this article.

The present study uses descriptive-analytical method and library resources to analyze the issue.

Saudi Arabia has been promoted to the status of a middle power by relying on its identity position in the Islamic world and the Arab world, military power, economic capability, and membership in the G20.

The transition of Saudi Arabia to the position of a middle power has led to the intensification of the competition for balancing. The Islamic Republic of Iran is the most capable option to balance Saudi Arabia.