1. 1
Obama's Government Post _ JCPOA against Saudi Arabia
Alireza Mohaddes
Student of Political science _ Central Tehran branch of Islamic Azad University
Alireza.Mohaddes@yahoo.com
Abstract
From the very beginning of Saudi Kingdom foundation, and except for few cases, the
USA and SA enjoyed strategic and stable diplomatic relations. The Relation that
became even more profound due to exploration of oil and its emergence in the field of
supplying energy, and it is mostly reminded as Oil for Security Equation. This relation
was more or less stable until Sept.11, 2001.But some events after Sept. 11, such as the
big Middle _East Plan, fight against terrorism, Iraq war, Arab, Lebanon riots, spring
wave or Islamic awakening, Yemen war, and nuclear agreement with Iran, caused
some changes in relations between the two countries. On Tuesday, July 14,2015;and
following the Lausanne Nuclear Agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of
Action(JCPOA) agreement was concluded among Iran, European Community and the
5+1 Group (including China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, USA and
Germany).This research is going to investigate Obama's current government policies
against Saudi Arabia considering post_ JCPOA atmosphere. Accordingly, it is
supposed that JCPOA can be considered as Obama's government willing to get closer
to Iran. However, this issue cannot be assumed as dispersion from SA. It is thought
that the USA is following the same two column system as Nixon's so as to make use
of Iran's economic, political and social capacities while controlling and continuity of
good relations with SA as a strategic ally.
Key Words: USA, SA, Foreign Policy, Iran, JCPOA

2. 2
Introduction
Due to its unique and important features, Persian Gulf has always been experiencing
wars and disputes among regional and trans-regional actors. Some researchers believe
that dominance over the Persian Gulf is not merely a regional prestige but an
important world issue (Furtig, 2002).Richard Nixon in his book "Real War and Real
Peace" says:"oil is the blood for the modern industry and the Persian Gulf is the heart
flowing blood like a pump, and the sea roads are the vessels in which this vital blood
is flowing ".After the second world war and during the cold war, and under Nixon's
two column policies to supply interests of the USA in the Persian Gulf region, Saudi
Arabia was one of the strategic allies of the USA alongside Iran Kingdom. This effect
from the US regional policies caused the two countries to adopt common policies and
to have mutual cooperation and coexistence. During Pahlavi's regime, and in spite of
different disparities of the two countries that could underlie widespread disputes
between them, Iran and SA, as two important countries in the Persian Gulf and the
western Asia, had to fraternize and changed to two main and strategic allies (Ahmadi,
2007). However, due to changes in 70s, this policy turned into a one column one.
Saddam Hussein efforts to expand his regional influence together with formation of
political Islam in Iran caused SA to become the sole regional policy axis of the USA;
hence, the single column policy was strengthened (Daheshyar, 2006). In 1979,
concurrent with the Islamic Revolution in Iran, adopting anti American policies by the
Iranian leaders caused separation of the main regional ally of the US and prepared the
scene for increasing the strategic role of SA. On the other hand, taking over the shi'a
government in Iran and different occurrences, like exporting Islamic revolution, led to
more divergence and tension in relations of the two countries. Since the national
benefits are interpreted according to structural features and the coordination of
ideological system (Qavam,1995),accession to power by clergymen in Iran and
redefining national interests and goals based on ideology led conflicting and opposite
benefits to be raised for Saudi Kingdom ;the country that was one of promoters of
Salafism and Wahhabism by itself.
At present and after about 4 decades from the Islamic revolution of Iran, and except
for few years (presidential terms of Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Sayyed
Mohammad Khatami), Iran and SA have always been suffering from relations full of
tension and uncertainty. Nowadays, this conflict relation has led to cutting diplomatic
relations. To have a better understanding of SA dissatisfaction with the nuclear

3. 3
agreement between Iran and the 5+1 group_ which caused Iran to release from
international isolation and to be more effective in regional and universal equations,
"and to pave the way for reestablishing Tehran-Washington relations (Philip Gordon,
2014) _ it is necessary to count some critical factors in Iran and SA relations while
defining the concept of divergence in international relations. After proving SA
dissatisfaction, the researcher will focus on SA relations with the USA and
considering the documentary evidences, Obama's post_ JCPOA against SA will be
investigated.
Part 1: Concept of Divergence in International Relations
One of the formative issues to foreign policy approach of a country in confrontation
with neighbors is the policy and countermeasure among nations. An action from
government affecting government B, either directly or indirectly, will bring about a
reaction from the B side. When these counteractions become unnatural, relations will
be changed and the preliminaries for a hostile interaction between them are provided.
Many factors can endanger relations and pave the way for divergence among
countries, depending on the type of the goals, abilities, or understanding countries
from each other. This fact is more applicable for neighboring countries and the ones
located in the same region. Michael Bercher names some of these factors as involving
in long –term disputes, geographical proximity, internal instability, being protected by
a superpower and political, military, economic and cultural heterogeneities (Bercher
2003).Relations among countries can be studied from three angles:"disputing
relations" in which there are some disputes in understandings and interests, but can be
resolved. "Paradoxical relations "which is fundamentally conflicting and cannot be
resolved easily and need time."Contrasting relations "in which interests and
approaches of the sides are in contrast with each other and the problems are too
profound to be resolved(Sari-al-ghalam,2001). According to the afore mentioned facts
and documentary evidences, Iran-SA relations can be considered as something
between paradoxical and contrasting relations.
Part 2: Sets of Stressful Factors in Iran – SA Relations in Brief
Since it is not possible to ignore Iran –SA relations while investigating Obama's
Government Post _ JCPOA against Saudi Arabia, which is subject of this research, in

4. 4
this part, some of effective factors and reasons for divergence in mutual relations
between Iran and SA are briefly discussed:
RemarksSAIranSubjectNo.
After Islamic
revolution in Iran,
Shi'a revolutionary
and political ideology
against Sunni-
Wahhabi
Cradle of Islam and
guard of Islamic Holy
sites
Umm al-Qara and Centre
of Islamic World
Islam1
Political structure of
the two countries are
opposed
Kingdom,
conservative
government and fond
to preserve current
Islamic Republic,
Revolutionary
government and fond to
change preset status
Political
Structure
2
From the main
foreign policy goals
and constitution of the
two countries,
opposition and
contrast is fully
observable. By SA
efforts, in para.30 of
the 13th
meeting of
Heads of Islamic
Countries
Cooperation
Organization, Iran
was asked to observe
1.Arab world unity
and gaining support
of them in line with
its interests
2.Leadership of
Islamic world
especially Arabs
3.Advertising
Wahhabi and
inviting people to it
4.Prevention of
spreading Islamic
revolution and
1.Negating submission and
Domination
2.Supporting poor and
liberal movements
3.Trying to establish
worldwide Islamic
government
4.Advertising Islam and
inviting people to it,
especially Shi'a
Main foreign
political goals
3

5. 5
neighborly and
refrain.
preserving current
status in the region
(Akhavan
Kazemi,1379)
By SA efforts, in
para.32 of the 13th
meeting of Heads of
Islamic Countries
Cooperation
Organization, Iran
deployment against
executions terrorists
in SA was
condemned. Heads of
the two countries
have frequently
condemned the other
side for supporting
terrorism.
As the last sample,
by SA efforts, in
para.33 of the 13th
meeting of Heads of
Islamic Countries
Cooperation
Organization,
continuation of
Iran's support from
terrorism was
condemned.
Leader of Islamic Republic
regards SA acts in Yemen
and killing thousands of
children, civil men and
women inside their houses
as the most brutal and
cruelly form of the
governmental terrorism.
Terrorism4
Increasing oil
production and the
consequent oil price
decrease used as
leverage against Iran
which is faced with
severe budget deficit.
Tries to decrease
the oil price and to
increase production
of it.
Tries to increase the oil
price and to control
production of it.
Oil5
Yemen war, that is
called Iran-SA
vicarious war in the
region, is one of the
factors influencing
more critical mutual
Supports Hadi
Mansour who fled
to SA after
occupation of the
presidential palace
Supports Houthis in
Yemen and supporters of
Ali Abdollah Saleh
Yemen6

6. 6
relations.by Houthis
Today, Syria crisis is
one of the main
divergent factors in
Iran-SA relations.
Obviously, benefits of
the two countries lie
in contrast and
confliction with each
other.
Economic, military
and political
support from rebel
groups opposed to
Bashar al- Asad and
trying to uptake
Syria among
moderate Arabs
who are in line with
Riyadh Policies.
One of the strategic allies
of Iran in the region
composing a part of axis of
resistance and is the ground
communications for Iran to
Lebanon(Hezbollah).Full
support of Bashar al-Asad
has been one of Iran's red
lines in recent years.
Syria7
It is estimated that SA has
aided over 25 billion USD to
Iraq during the imposed war
(Heydarian,2010).After fall
of Saddam Hussein, Iran and
SA competition in the region
has been more intensified.
Supported Saddam
during the 8 year
war and tries to
promote the Sunni
in Iraq after
Saddam
Condemns supporting
SA and Arabs from Iraq
during the 8 year war
and tries to increase
influence in Iraq after
Saddam
Iraq8
During recent years
especially early in the second
decade of 21st
century and
concurrent Islamic
awakening wave, Bahrain
issue has been immerged as
one of the effective divergent
factors.
Preventing Shiites
to get into power
and challenging
domination.
Supports Bahrain
Shiites as the major
community of this
country
Bahrain9
Iran supports March 8
coalition and SA supports
March 14 coalition.
SA wants to
preserve and
develop its
influence in
Iran is looking for
promoting its role in
Lebanon via supporting
Hezbollah and Shiites.
Lebanon10

7. 7
Lebanon via
supporting
Hezbollah's rivals.
Although Palestine issue can
be a factor for approaching
the two countries, it has
changed into a factor of
divergence.
Looks for peace
and identifying
Israel. Mainly
supports
Palestinian
Authority rather
than Hamas.
Protests peace process
and participating SA in
peace conferences.
Mainly supports Hamas
and criticizes
Palestinian Authority.
Palestine
issue
11
Due to ineffectiveness of
sanctions, SA foreign
minister asked for a prompt
solution to cope with Iran's
nuclear
program(Aljazzera,2010).Ac
cording to some documents
issued by wikilis, even he
asked for US attack to
Iran(guardian,2010).
Concurrent Rowhani
presidential term and
resuming negotiations, SA
and Israel have opposed
nuclear agreements.
At first, SA wanted
this issue to be
resolved through
negotiations, but
later it expressed
concerns about
Iran's nuclear
activities and
aligned with the
West.SA has
always been
severely opposed to
Iran's nuclear
negotiations.
All Iranian officials
mentioned Iran's
nuclear case as
noncombatant and
peaceful and emphasize
that this program has no
danger for the
neighbors. Concurrent
Rowhani presidential
term, and resuming
negotiations, Iran and
5+1 group finally
conclude the
agreement.
Iran's
nuclear
case
12
While the Haj could underlie
unity between the two
countries, it has changed into
a conflicting issue for years.
In 1987, due to death of
Iranian pilgrims, Iran denied
dispatching pilgrims to Haj
Making use of
servant of the Holy
Shrines for the king
and emphasizing
the religious nature
of Haj and
frequently ask Iran
Frequently emphasizes
the way of the
management of the Haj
ceremonies and
emphasizes the
political-worship nature
of Haj and the need for
The Haj13

8. 8
for 3 years and cut
diplomatic relations with SA.
Mena disaster in 2015, in
which hundreds of Iranian
pilgrims were killed, caused
severe reactions by Iranian
officials.
not to make
political use of this
ceremony.
holding the disavowal
of pagans' ceremony.
Rowhani
emphasized:"we will
never forgive the killers
of our citizens. If
necessary, Iran will
make use of authority
language.
Part 3:The USA and Saudi Arabia Relations
From the Second World War on( before and after the Gulf War) the US secured SA
overtly and covertly in exchange for safe supplement of oil from the side of this
kingdom. Of course, there were some exceptions to this deal such as short-term oil
supplement by oil producing Arab countries late in 1973.
Carter in his presidential term announced, "any effort to dominate the Gulf region by
a foreign country means attacking to "national security" and "vital interests" of the
United States, and we will cope with it by all means and militarism as well(Davood
Aghaei,1989).
During the late decades, the USA and SA have enjoyed stable diplomatic relations;
after Islamic revolution in Iran and omitting this country as one of the US strong
allies, this diplomatic relations became even more tightened. However, the Sept.11
incident and the succeeding changes afterward, such as the big Middle –East plan,
fighting against terrorism, and the Iraq war from the side of the US, caused some
changes in relations of the US and SA. The trend of regional changes after occupying
Iraq by the US, Palestine and Lebanon changes, spring wave or Islamic awakening,
increasing role of Iran in the Middle-East as well as Iran's nuclear agreement have
created a new concept in the mutual relations of both the US and SA so as to manage
regional goals based on their own approaches. The afore-mentioned factors ruined the
relations between the two governments to the extent that some analyst believe, "from
1973 and Arabs' oil sanctions against the west, SA has never been so distrust of the
US as present time (Michael Rubin, 2015).The idea can be grasped from Obama
reception by Malik Salman comparing the reception by the leaders of the Persian Gulf

9. 9
Cooperation Council in their late meeting in Riyadh. The main conflicting factors
between Riyadh and Washington seem to be as follows:
No. Subject Remarks
1 Energy
Thanks to its domestic production as well as Shale technology, a lion
share of the US dependence on SA oil has almost been cut and the US
is going to prove itself as the main oil and gas exporter by 2020; a
decision that has raised the concerns of SA officials, since the SA oil is
not a strategic commodity for The US anymore.
2 Human Rights
In its annual report, the US ministry of foreign affairs reported
widespread humans rights violations by SA during 2015.The main
points mentioned in this reports are: lack of SA citizens' authority to
elect the government and implementation of different shackles in the
field of world rights such as freedom of expression especially in
internet, lack of freedom of gatherings and creating groups and
communities and religious movements, widespread discrimination
between male and female and females' rights inequality from different
aspects and…, This is while most of human rights organizations and
NGOs in the US demand for more force on SA to improve the current
human rights status in this country.
3 Egypt
Despite of Saudis' expectations from the US to overall support from
General al-Sisi, it seems the US is not eager to play an active role in
Egypt changes and tries not to put any footage on the scene.
4 Iraq
US attack to Iraq omitted Saddam from the political arena and
reinforced Shias in Iraq; consequently provided the field for increasing
influence of Iran in this country that caused SA frustration. Of course,
post-Saddam's US access to oil supplies should not be ignored. This
led SA to be faded in US energy equations and increased SA concerns
about US policies.
5 Syria Conflicts on Syria started when The SA restricted military aids to

10. 10
Bashar al-Assad opponents and rendered his decision for air raids to
Syria. This was while Saudis expected US to play its role to the extent
it did for Libya.
6 Yemen
It has passed over one year from Saudis attacks to Yemen. During this
period, more than six thousands of people have been killed and SA
paid over six billions for these attacks. US rushed to help SA Through
military consults, fuel supply stations and hardware facilities; however,
Saudis expected US for more intervention and support from its policies
and forces. Expectations that remained unrealized. Of course,
regarding the mentioned US aids, Yemen has not had considerable role
in tensions in the two countries' relations.
7 Spetember,11
15 years after this terrorist incident in US territory, a recent 28 page
report on SA role in this incident has caused tensions in mutual
relations. In reaction to possibility of passing an act on cancellation of
prohibiting investigations about SA role in Sept.11, Adel al-Jubeir
announced:"in case of passing this act from the congress, SA will have
to withdraw its assets amounting over USD 750 billion before they are
blocked(Russiatoday,2016).Finally, Paul Ryan ,president of the House
of the US Representatives, said, "I believe the congress should revise
the rule of chasing SA government about Sept.,11 incident(Associated
press,2016).
8 Extremism
The West, especially the United Sates, have concluded that Riyadh
should cut its financial and logistic aids to Takfiri groups like ISIS.
Nowadays, many scientific-religious schools have been established and
activated in Afghanistan and Pakistan by SA's huge amounts of money.
These schools are trying to absorb extremists and radicals in the region
by promoting extremism. Accordingly, it can be said the West support
from SA would be conditional, but this relation is not to be cut (Shirin
Hunter, 2016).
9 Iran At present, one of the main concerns of SA is Iran-US proximity in the
shadows of nuclear agreement. Although Saudis showed they are

11. 11
satisfied by the agreement, they disagreed with wavering sanction on
Iran and were afraid of getting Iran out of isolation. Their efforts to
disrupt negotiations were failed. They also feared that Obama's
approach towards interactions with Iran may lead to establishing
diplomatic relations with Iran and this puts an end to the USA-Iran
hostile relations.
Results from the mentioned points can be briefed as follows:
Saudis dissatisfaction with Obama's non-interference in regional events and turning to
Iran reveals when even Obama's trip to SA early in 2015 did not have any
achievements and reporters reminded this trip as cold, bitter, unfavorable, and
wrote:"He left the country empty handed"(Global Times, 2016). Meanwhile, after the
trip, Turki bin Faisal said:"good days of relations with the USA have been passed and
it is time to study the common interests of the two countries."(CNN, 2016).All these
factors indicate changes in the USA-SA relations and it means US separation from
Saudis. Further in this research, we will study nuclear agreement with Iran and Saudi's
stance in this regard. Later, we will answer the above-mentioned questions based on
the achieved implications.
Part4: Nuclear Agreement with Iran and SA Stance:
One of the most important cases, which has intensified the US-SA tensions, is Iran's
nuclear case (Motahhania, 2013).No doubt; one of the biggest achievements of
Obama's government was signing the nuclear agreement with Iran. Many people
believed, "there would be no bigger gift for Obama's government foreign policy in
2015 than achieving nuclear agreement with Iran"(Gurdian,2014).Some newspapers
wrote, "at this period of time, Iran and US are more thinking about peace(Alsharq al
Owsat,2014").Several mutual meetings of ministers of foreign affairs of the two
countries during negotiations brought about a new opening in relations of the two
countries, and created a comparative atmosphere in which each country is going to
show its good willing to the other side. Some people including Todd Wood
announced."Don't be amazed if a politburo from Iran comes to the White House in
near future"(Western Journalism, 2015).Meanwhile, Obama in his AD New Year
interview with National Public Radio (NPR) said, "in case of concluding a nuclear

12. 12
agreement, Iran can be changed in a very powerful regional power"(Weekly
Standard,2014).In his trip to London, he also added, "achieving to such agreement
without entering a war is something that we are proud of it"(ABC News,2016).
Maybe, adopting such policies caused Arabs' concerns, especially Saudis, about
empowering Iran and increasing its influence in the region. So, it seems logical that
"final Iran-US nuclear agreement stimulates SA to balance with Iran in nuclear
issue"(Wall street Journal, 2015).Saudis' and some of other Arab countries' concerns
about the distrustful atmosphere among them and the US made some analysts to warn
about lack of US officials in the region and reminding the long lasting history of US
with them, especially SA .They also note ,"in any Arab country, whenever we face
with a problem, firs we call Saudi Arabia" (Michael Rubin,2015).In such
circumstances and during negotiations with Iran, American officials had to take
several trips to Middle-East and inform SA and other countries of the region of the
latest advancements in nuclear negotiations and assure them that any kind of nuclear
agreement with Iran would not abuse their interests(Reuters,2015).He also added,
"nuclear agreement with Iran has made the world safer"(Dailytargum,2016).
Furthermore, it should not be ignored that Saudi officials have not obviously
disagreed with Iran's nuclear agreement; as Israel's Prime Minister, Netanyahu, did
overtly. SA has officially wished for a good agreement or at most warned of reaching
a bad agreement; although, in practice, SA did its best no to get an agreement.
Part 5: Outcome:
Regarding the documents and what was mentioned, most thinkers at least believe in a
kind of change in the USA-SA relations and they merely disagree on the nature of this
change. Some believe the US considers turning to East-Asia in its macro doctrine and
wishes for minimal interference or even exiting Middle East equation. Hence, based
on the stress management policy, USA is looking for balance of power between Iran
and SA as two powerful countries of the region. Some others come to this result from
a different introduction. They believe the Persian Gulf is still a top strategic region
and the USA is not going to fade itself from the regional equation; however, to
prevent tensions, especially between Iran and SA, that makes US to interfere; this
country has taken tension management policy. This means the USA does not depart
from its strategic ally, SA, while getting closer to Iran. Finally, some think that
considering SA support from extremism and terrorism especially SISI, whose

13. 13
consequences has plagued the west, the USA is looking for closeness to Iran and
departing from SA. The writer believes that, at present, and considering complexity
and interrelations of Riyadh and Washington, it is unlikely for the US to look for
closeness to Iran and departing from SA, because US still have basic problems with
Iran. In his presidential term, Obama has had a kind of stress robbing in his agenda of
foreign diplomacy. From nuclear negotiations with Iran to his historical trip to Cuba,
and recently to Vietnam and Hiroshima in Japan, USA confessed that Iran is an
influencing element in the regional equations and has achieved its goals in some
fields, too. They have concluded that resolving most of the regional problems, like the
one for Syria, are only possible in presence of all effective members, especially Iran.
So, USA is going to get closer to Iran via nuclear negotiations. It seems that US
finally takes a system like the Nixon's two column policy and, consequently, SA will
have to accept Iran as an influencing member in regional equations. However, the
important point is the incoming ideological balance and opposition of political wings
in Iran. In case Iran continues stress robbing policy of its current president, Hassan
Rowhani, in different political, economic, commercial… fields, this country would
pave the way for more closeness to Washington, but if opponents of Rowhani's
approach get into power and take the anti-US policy, USA would naturally take its
previous policies against Iran while departing from this country.
The considerable point about Obama's government post- JCPOA in confronting with
SA is that USA would not endanger its relations with Riyadh to hope for cooperation
and continuation of Tehran's interaction in the next years. So, at present, USA does its
best to satisfy its Arab allies, especially SA, in the region. The final point is that USA
has an exemplary skill in defining the parallel interests: disagreement with Iran's
nuclear agreement became the common denominator of Arabs of the region and Israel
and this issue let to creating Hebrew-Arabic Alliance. Maybe it can be taken as a big
step forward of the USA in its regional policies to stabilize Israel government and
recognizing it to the Arabs of the region.

14. 14
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Azqandi,Mahdi Aqa Alikhani(Policy Quarterly , Newspaper of Law and Political
Science College, Volume 44,No.2,Summer 2016)
International Peace Studies Centre-IPSC,the most Important oppositions of the USA
and SA;an interview with Dr. Ali Akbar Asadi (Tehran: Middle East Strategic
Investigation Centre, 25 April,2016)
Studying the USA-SA relations, after Recent Changes,the Persian Gulf Investigation
Group, Middle East Strategic Studies Institute, 20 November,2013.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-36083990
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df