Why Iran targets Gulf states despite shared religion

Iran’s recent attacks on Gulf Arab states have raised an important question across the region: why would one Muslim country attack others that share the same faith? The answer lies not in religion alone but in a complex mixture of geopolitics, strategic rivalry and regional power struggles that have shaped Middle Eastern politics for decades.

A struggle for regional influence

At the core of tensions between Iran and many Gulf states is a long-standing competition for influence in the Middle East. Iran sees itself as a major regional power and seeks to expand its political and military influence across neighbouring countries. Gulf monarchies such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain often view those ambitions as a direct threat to their own security and regional leadership.

This rivalry has been described by analysts as a “regional cold war”, in which Tehran and its rivals compete for influence across the Middle East through alliances, economic leverage and military power.

Because many Gulf states host strategic energy infrastructure, shipping routes and international trade hubs, they are often at the centre of these geopolitical tensions.

Sunni–Shia divide adds tension

Although the conflict is primarily geopolitical, religious differences also play a role. Iran is the largest Shia-majority state in the Muslim world, while most Gulf Arab countries are governed by Sunni leadership.

The Sunni-Shia divide dates back to the early history of Islam and has periodically influenced political alliances in the region. Some Gulf governments fear that Iran could encourage Shia minority groups in their countries to challenge existing political systems.

However, experts emphasise that the rivalry is not purely religious. Strategic competition for power and influence is often the more decisive factor.

Proxy conflicts across the region

Rather than fighting each other directly, Iran and several Gulf states have often supported opposing sides in conflicts throughout the Middle East.

Examples include:

• Yemen, where Saudi-led forces have fought the Houthi movement, which has received backing from Iran.
• Syria, where Iran supported the government of Bashar al-Assad while some Gulf countries supported opposition forces.
• Lebanon, where the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement plays a major political and military role.

These proxy conflicts allow rival powers to compete for influence without direct war.

US alliances in the Gulf

Another key factor is the military presence of the United States in the Gulf region. Several Gulf states host US bases or cooperate closely with Washington on defence and security matters.

From Iran’s perspective, these countries can become strategic targets if Tehran believes their territory is being used to support attacks against Iranian interests. Recent Iranian strikes have often been framed as responses to US or allied military actions in the region.

In such situations, Gulf states may be targeted not because they are enemies in religious terms but because of their strategic alliances.

Strategic pressure in wartime

Recent Iranian missile and drone attacks have targeted airports, ports and energy infrastructure in several Gulf countries. Analysts say the goal is to increase pressure on the United States and its allies by destabilising regional economies and disrupting global trade routes.

Because many of the world’s busiest aviation hubs and energy facilities are located in Gulf states, attacks there can have global economic consequences.

Religion does not prevent conflict

Despite sharing the same broader faith, Muslim countries have frequently been on opposing sides of political conflicts. National interests, alliances and regional ambitions often outweigh religious solidarity.

In the case of Iran and the Gulf states, the struggle is less about Islam and more about power, security and influence in one of the world’s most strategically important regions.

As tensions rise following recent military strikes and retaliatory attacks, that rivalry is once again shaping events across the Middle East — with consequences reaching far beyond the region itself.

Newshub Editorial in Middle East — March 2, 2026