Speaker
Dr. Cinzia Bianco
Gulf Research Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations
Middle East and Islam Program
Seminars
Iran - GCC Relations: From the Perspective of the GCC Countries
Organized by Middle East and Islam Program Department
The Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) cordially invites you to a public webinar entitled “Iran - GCC Relations: From the Perspective of the GCC Countries” by Dr. Cinzia Bianco, Gulf Research Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations.
Tensions between Iran and GCC countries have continued to mount, triggered by the severance of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in January 2016. The tensions have been intensified by the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in May 2018 and its hard sanctions against Iran. Tanker attacks in the Gulf of Oman and the attacks on the Saudi oil facilities, both in 2019, have also contributed to the already escalated tensions of these countries. On another front, the UAE, known for its hawkish stance toward Iran, sent aid planes to the country to support its fight against COVID-19.
In GCC countries, generation change is underway. With the recent deaths of Omani Sultan Qaboos and Kuwaiti Emir Sabah, the Gulf region lost its well respected mediators-in-chief. The UAE and Bahrain's normalization of ties with Israel, and the US presidential election are also factors that may affect the region.
Dr. Cinzia Bianco, Gulf Research Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations, will provide a comprehensive picture on the current and future Iran - GCC relations, referring to its historical context, how the GCC countries are viewing Iran, and the current regional situaion. The subsequent panel discussion will be joined by Mr. Sadashi Fukuda, a specialist on the GCC countries, and Ms. Sachi Sakanashi, an expert in Iranian politics.
Tensions between Iran and GCC countries have continued to mount, triggered by the severance of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in January 2016. The tensions have been intensified by the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in May 2018 and its hard sanctions against Iran. Tanker attacks in the Gulf of Oman and the attacks on the Saudi oil facilities, both in 2019, have also contributed to the already escalated tensions of these countries. On another front, the UAE, known for its hawkish stance toward Iran, sent aid planes to the country to support its fight against COVID-19.
In GCC countries, generation change is underway. With the recent deaths of Omani Sultan Qaboos and Kuwaiti Emir Sabah, the Gulf region lost its well respected mediators-in-chief. The UAE and Bahrain's normalization of ties with Israel, and the US presidential election are also factors that may affect the region.
Dr. Cinzia Bianco, Gulf Research Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations, will provide a comprehensive picture on the current and future Iran - GCC relations, referring to its historical context, how the GCC countries are viewing Iran, and the current regional situaion. The subsequent panel discussion will be joined by Mr. Sadashi Fukuda, a specialist on the GCC countries, and Ms. Sachi Sakanashi, an expert in Iranian politics.
- Contact
- The Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Middle East and Islam Program Department (Yokoyama/Tsurumaki)
E-mail: middleeast-islam@spf.or.jp
Register Closed
Description
| 17:00- 17:05 | Opening Remarks: Ms. Junko Chano, Executive Director, Sasakawa Peace Foundation |
| 17:05-17:45 | Lecture “A Cumbersome Neighbor: Iran Viewed from the Gulf Arab Monarchies” Speaker: Dr. Cinzia Bianco, Gulf Research Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations |
| 17:45-18:15 | Panel Discussion Panelists: Mr. Sadashi Fukuda, Honorary Fellow, Institute of Developing Economies, The Japan External Trade Organization Ms. Sachi Sakanashi, Assistant Director, Japanese Institute of Middle Eastern Economies Center, The Institute of Energy Economies, Japan |
| 18:15-18:50 | Q & A Session |
| 18:50 | Closing |
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