The impact of the normalization of relations between Israel and the Arab Persian Gulf countries on the foreign relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Shohada Boulevard - Municipality Crossroads - Lordegan Municipality

2 Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Islamic Azad University, Shahreza Branch, Shahreza, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Islamic Studies Department, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran.

10.22081/psq.2025.70870.2947

Abstract

The present study investigates the impact of Israel's normalization of relations with Arab countries in the Gulf region on the foreign (political) relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran with regional nations. This normalization is perceived as a significant crisis in Iran's relations with Arab states. The primary research question is: How does the normalization of relations between Israel and Arab countries affect Iran's foreign relations with the region? The main hypothesis posits that the normalization of relations between Israel and Gulf countries disrupts the strategic balance to Iran's disadvantage, increases the focus on security issues over economic ones, and strengthens alliances aimed at enhancing political independence. To analyze this trend, a qualitative analysis method with a descriptive-analytical approach has been employed. The theoretical framework of the study is based on the Copenhagen School of security studies, enabling a detailed examination of the effects of normalization on Iran's national security and major policies. The findings reveal that normalization has led to increased isolation for Iran in the international arena, enhanced security cooperation between Israel and Arab countries, and a reduction of Iran's influence in the region. Additionally, this trend has resulted in Iran placing greater emphasis on strengthening its military and diplomatic capabilities to counter perceived threats. The developments have also contributed to the emergence of new regional alliances, with Israel becoming a key player in security dynamics. This situation not only alters the balance of power to Iran's disadvantage but also limits Iran's ability to effectively utilize economic and diplomatic tools to mitigate tensions. As a result, Iran has been compelled to redefine its strategies in the security and military sectors. By employing the Copenhagen School framework, this research analyzes the process of securitization and its implications for Iran's relations with regional countries, illustrating that the normalization of relations between Israel and Arab countries presents new challenges for Iran in political, security, and economic domains.

Keywords

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics