We all know that Iran is an Arab Country but in sooth Iran is a Persian Shia muslim majority with a distinct cultural, linguistic historical identity. Arab cod untries are defined by their ethnicity and language,culture,geopolitical stance,historical background,political system. The difference between Iran anthe rest of the Arab countries are as below:
1.Ethnic and Linguistic Identity
Iran:
Ethnicity: Persian with some sub ethnic groups like Kurds, Baloch people, Tat people, Talysh people, Azerbaijanis etc.
Language: Majority Farsi but some small groups of Turkic, Baluchi, Kurdish speaking people.
Arab Countries:
Ethnicity: Majority Arab with some exception like Bahrain, Iraq and Lebanon.
Language: Arabic
Key difference: Iran is identified as Persian with ancient heritage while Arab countries shared a unified Arab identity and language.
2.Religious Difference
Iran: Majority of Iranians are Shia Muslim and act like the patroniser of Shia Muslim all over the world.
Arab countries: Sunni Muslim dominant with some exception like Bahrain, Iraq and parts of Lebanon.
Result: Root cause of Shia vs Sunni geopolitical conflicts.
3.Geopolitics And Rivalries:
Arab countries (especially Saudi Arabia ) vs Iran:
Proxy wars: Yemen (Hauthi rebels patronised by Iran vs Saudi-led coalition).
Lebanon: Iran funds Hezbullah; Arab countries oppose it.
Syria: Iran supported Bashar Al-Asad where many Arab states opposed.
Iraq: In Iraq there is a strong influence of Iran since 2003, Arab countries are worried of that.
Lebanon: Iran leads Hezbollah, Gulf countries oppose it.
4.Culture:
Iranian culture:
Ancient Persian history,literature like Hafez,Ferdousy and Nowroz(Persian New Year)
Arab culture:
Same Arab history,Bedouin traditions,Arabic poetry and strong Islamic influence.
5.Governments
Iran: Presidential system but Supreme Leader is the ultimate power holder.
Arab countries: Mostly monarchies (Saudi Arabia.UAE,Jordan) or authoritarian republics(Syria,Egypt)
6.Economics
Oil and Gas:
Both Iran and Arab states are fossil fuel-rich and members of OPEC but Iran faces U.S. sanctions limiting its economic power.
Gulf states are wealthier and open economies but Iran is self-reliant but economically strained due to isolation.
7.Military
Iran: Strong military, advanced missile program, powerful proxy networks (e.g. Hezbollah, Houthis).
Arab countries: Saudi Arabia and UAE have high-tech militaries mostly rely on U.S.
8.International Relations
Iran: Close with Russia,China,Iraq,North Korea.
Arab countries: Many are allied with U.S. E.U and recently some with Israel (Abraham Accords)
9.Tensions:
Iran Opposes relation with Israel; many Arab countries now cooperate with Israel diplomatically or secretly.
10.Balance:
Iran has Shia ideology and influence on the Shia Muslim; Arab countries have petrodollar and Western allies.
Conclusion:
Iran’s relation with rest of Arab countries are depended on the mutual understanding and trust. Though 2023 Saudi-Iran deal signals a subsequent normalisation but historical mistrust,sectarian divides and Iran’s regional and nuclear ambitions keep tension alive. The Iran-Israel conflict further complicated the situation, with Arab states remain neutral pursuing economic priorities. For the latest developments monitoring diplomatic engagement and Gulf states response to the Iran-Israel escalation will be the key.