The animosity of Persian leaders towards the Arabs, which led to the attacks on neighboring Arab states, particularly those in the Gulf, is a complex issue. Understanding this hostility is crucial in revealing the true sentiments – regardless of sect or doctrine – that Persian leaders harbor towards Arabs. This enmity is neither a new development nor a result of the current American-Israeli conflict with the Iranian regime. It is a deep-rooted, centuries-old legacy.
Its origins can be traced back to the Battle of Dhi Qar, and most importantly, to a pivotal moment in Persian history – the collapse of the Sasanian Empire. The event marked a devastating defeat for the expansionist ambitions of the Persians at the time.
Before the advent of Islam, the Persian Empire had enormous control over the behavior of Arab tribes, many of whom were Christians, thereby reflecting an immense sense of Persian superiority. The catalyst for conflict was a dispute between Persian King Khosrow II (Khosrow Parviz) and Al- Nu’man Ibn Al-Mundhir. The discord began when Khosrow II wanted to marry Al-Nu’man’s daughter, a proposal that the father rejected. Although the details are not discussed here, the refusal led to a war between the Arab tribes and the Persians.
A force of just 20,000 Arab fighters defeated the Persian Army, which was larger -- around 120,000 soldiers. Despite this defeat, the Persian Empire was undeterred and continued its expansion into the Arab world, motivated by a desire for revenge. However, the ongoing expansion proved to be disadvantageous for the empire. The decisive battle involving the Persian Empire took place in 12 AH.
At the time, Khalid Ibn Al- Walid gave Hormizd, the Persian governor of Iraq, a choice: convert to Islam, pay the jizya (tribute), or face war. Khosrow II then commanded his governor in Mesopotamia to reinforce his army. The Muslims were ready, and the ensuing Battle of Kazima resulted in the fall of the Sasanian Empire. These initial defeats only intensified the Persians’ hostility towards the Arabs, whom they dismissively viewed as inconsequential tribes. Nevertheless, the following events proved the superior power and strategic acumen of the Arabs in organization and warfare.
After the successful conquests in the Levant, the Persians retaliated by betraying the Muslims in Iraq. Under the command of Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas, the Muslim forces countered the enemy, securing a decisive victory for the Muslim Arabs at the Battle of Qadisiyah.
Nonetheless, the animosity persisted even after the Persians converted to Islam, as nationalist sentiment proved to be a stronger force than religious belief. The historical analysis highlights persistent differences between the two sides, which escalated into ethnic conflicts lasting until the 15th century CE. The major turning point was when Ismail Safavi altered the religious doctrine for all Iranians.
This religious transformation was violent, resulting in the death of about one million people. For centuries, the Persians have allegedly attempted to corrupt all Islamic schools of thought, even incorporating ingrained elements of Zoroastrian culture into the Persian mindset. This context is crucial in understanding recent events.
Before the Israeli-American war on Iran, which commenced on Feb 28, Gulf states explicitly refused to allow the United States of America to use their territories for an attack. They actively pursued mediation to avert the conflict.
However, the Gulf governments were not consulted before the United States and Israel launched their war. Despite the Gulf states’ attempts to remain neutral, they unexpectedly became the primary battleground for Iran’s response, rather than Israel or the United States. The region was subjected to a volume of Iranian missiles and drones, more than those launched against Israel.
Moreover, Iran activated sleeper cells in the Gulf nations. Why the attack? Iran targeted its neighbors due to the deep-seated, inherited hostility toward Arabs in the Gulf region. This approach proved the disregard for good neighborly relations, as Iran continues to perceive the Gulf region as the main cause of the collapse of the Sasanian Empire.
