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Abstract

Saudi Arabia and Iran currently have a complex relationship. It is well established that this dates to the Iranian Revolution of 1979. This dissertation aims to determine to what extent Iran threatens Saudi Arabia’s critical infrastructure and what methods are being used. In this context, critical infrastructure is defined as oil facilities, desalination plants, and the electrical grid. A review of existing literature on the relationship has been conducted, split into four objectives.
To scrutinise the hypothesis that Iran poses a significant threat to Saudi Arabia’ s critical infrastructure, Irans missile, cyber and maritime capabilities have been examined, as well as whether Iran is arming and funding proxies to target this critical infrastructure.
Commencing with events subsequent to the Iranian Revolution of 1979, it has been established that Iran’s political stance left the Arab Kingdoms and particularly Saudi Arabia endangered. Iran stated that Mecca and Medina should be under collective Muslim custody rather than the Saudi Monarchy. This along with sectarianism (Sunni and Shia) has left diplomatic relations between the two non-existent. Further deteriorating when a Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr was executed by Saudi Arabia.
The results showed that although it is evident Iran has the missile capability to overwhelm Saudi’s defence systems and there are numerous vulnerabilities across Saudi Arabia’s critical infrastructure, Iran is stopping short of breaking out full blown conflict. This is due to them being aware of the consequences for both countries and the region. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest Iran funding proxies to target Saudi Arabia, to obtain regional hegemony rather than directly attacking Saudi Arabia.
On this basis it is essential that Saudi Arabia maintains robust security systems and invests in ways to reduce the threat to their critical infrastructure.

Course: Risk and Security Management - BSc (Hons) - C1565

Date Deposited: 2022-09-21

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14022.html