Analyses | 30 October 2009

The Gulf states and Iran: robust competitors or interested bystanders?

In a new Lowy Institute Perspectives, Rodger Shanahan, non-resident fellow in the West Asia Program, examines relations between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Iran. Rodger Shanahan

  • Rodger Shanahan

In a new Lowy Institute Perspectives, Rodger Shanahan, non-resident fellow in the West Asia Program, examines relations between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Iran. Rodger Shanahan

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Executive Summary

'The Gulf states and Iran: robust competitors or interested bystanders' discusses how a complex mix of insecurity, economic interests, cultural ties and shared geography shape Gulf attitudes toward their large neighbour. This paper also examines the dilemmas facing Gulf states as they seek to balance conciliatory and confrontational approaches to Iran, particularly over the nuclear issue.