Bitter Rivals
Iran and Saudi Arabia
Photo: REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl & Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS
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The Iran-Israel Conflict and the U.S. Role: 11 Documentaries to Watch
Decades of tensions between Israel and Iran erupted into war in June. These FRONTLINE films offer context and background on the conflict, both countries’ leaders and ambitions, the role of the U.S., and the ongoing impact across the Middle East.
July 29, 2025
Qassem Soleimani’s Complex Legacy in Iraq
Known for inspiring fighters and brokering deals, Qassem Soleimani was a powerful, unparalleled enemy of Kurdish separatists, the Taliban, ISIS — and ultimately, the United States.
January 5, 2020
As Oil Attacks Raise Questions, Revisit Saudi Arabia and Iran’s Bitter Rivalry
If Iran is found to be linked to the attacks, it would mark a stark escalation of a decades-long feud between the two Middle East heavyweights.
September 16, 2019
Flashback: Inside the Complicated History Between the U.S. and Iran
A FRONTLINE documentary explored why 1953 was a pivotal year.
June 21, 2019
All Parties in Yemen’s War May Have Committed War Crimes: UN Experts
“There is little evidence of any attempt by parties to the conflict to minimize civilian casualties,” a UN expert said about the actors involved in Yemen's war.
August 28, 2018
Saudi Crown Prince's U.S. Visit Comes at Critical Moment for Riyadh
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's meeting with President Trump this week comes at a critical moment for U.S.-Saudi relations: The Saudi heir will look to solidify American support amid an ongoing effort to consolidate power at home.
March 19, 2018
The Rivalry Behind Three Wars: How Saudi Arabia and Iran Fueled Conflicts in Iraq, Syria and Yemen
How Saudi Arabia and Iran fueled conflicts in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.
February 27, 2018
WATCH: Why Iran Backed Assad in Syria
In an excerpt from "Bitter Rivals," explore how Iran’s support for the Assad regime in Syria has helped fuel one of the most brutal wars in modern times.
February 27, 2018
Inside the Making of “Bitter Rivals: Iran and Saudi Arabia”
Featuring on-the-ground reporting from seven Middle Eastern countries, the two-part FRONTLINE series was two years in the making.
February 20, 2018
The FRONTLINE Interview: Adel al-Jubeir
Iran has spent decades exploiting sectarianism in the Middle East to put pressure on Sunni governments across the region, says Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir in an interview for the FRONTLINE documentary "Bitter Rivals: Iran and Saudi Arabia."
February 20, 2018
The FRONTLINE Interview: Mohammad Javad Zarif
"Despite the fact that the United States and almost every other powerful nation supports Saudi Arabia actively and tries to undermine us actively, we are still the most influential power in the Middle East," says Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in an interview for the FRONTLINE documentary "Bitter Rivals: Iran and Saudi Arabia."
February 20, 2018
The FRONTLINE Interview: Ryan Crocker
Whether it's Yemen, Iraq or Syria, today's conflicts in the Middle East can't be explained by sectarianism alone, says longtime U.S. diplomat Ryan Crocker in this interview for the FRONTLINE documentary "Bitter Rivals: Iran and Saudi Arabia." Says Crocker, "There are deeper issues in play. It's power. It's who was going to have influence where?"
February 20, 2018