Iran has long stood at the crossroads of ideology, sectarianism, and regional geopolitics. The story of its isolation in the Islamic world is rooted in a turbulent history that spans revolutions, wars, and persistent ambitions to lead a broader ideological movement.

Iran’s Revolutionary Mission

In 1979, Iran underwent a profound transformation. The monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a Western ally, was overthrown in a popular revolution. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned from exile, not just to remove the monarchy, but to establish a new order: the Islamic Republic of Iran. This new theocracy was built on the premise of exporting its Islamic revolution globally, an ambition that set it on a collision course with many Sunni-majority nations.

Sectarian Divides and Early Conflicts

Before 1979, Iran and Saudi Arabia maintained amicable ties. Both were monarchies and allies of the U.S. However, Iran’s shift to a Shia theocracy after the revolution triggered fears in the Sunni world. Iraq, under Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein but governing a Shia-majority population, felt particularly threatened. This led to the devastating Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988, which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and entrenched Iran’s defensive yet assertive posture.

The Axis of Resistance

After the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, Iran capitalized on the power vacuum in Iraq. It expanded its influence by supporting Shia militias, providing financial and military aid, and embedding itself in the country’s political structure. This marked the rise of what Iran called its “Axis of Resistance,” a network of proxies across the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, aimed at countering Saudi and Western influence.

Regional Countermeasures

In response, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states formed coalitions such as the Gulf Cooperation Council, funded Sunni militias, and pursued policies to isolate Iran. This sectarian division reshaped Middle Eastern politics, often turning regional conflicts into proxy wars between Shia-aligned Iran and Sunni-backed groups.

Fragile Diplomatic Openings

Despite decades of hostility, a shift began in 2023. Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic ties, followed by similar moves from the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain. These efforts represent a fragile thaw, driven by the recognition that isolating Iran has not yielded the desired outcomes. However, Iran’s continued support for militant proxies and ideological rigidity pose significant hurdles to full reconciliation.

Today’s Outlook

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, now 86, faces a region that has changed significantly since the revolution. Recent losses of top military leaders to Israeli airstrikes further weaken Iran’s strategic coherence. While Iran’s revolutionary ideology continues to influence its policies, the broader Islamic world appears to be moving on, embracing pragmatism and regional cooperation over ideological confrontation.

Iran’s ambition to reshape the Islamic world may have faltered, but its influence remains embedded in the geopolitics of the Middle East. The journey of its isolation and attempted reintegration tells a broader story of a region in constant flux.

Source: The Financial Express