Iran-Saudi rivalry escalates A cold war between Saudi Arabia and its neighbour, arch-rival Iran, is intensifying as the two powers struggle to shape a regional order devoid of so-called Islamic State (IS) LEBANON Resignation of Saudi-allied Lebanese prime minister Saad al-Hariri (left) has plunged nation into political crisis. Hariri blames resignation on Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah (right) says Hariri’s decision to resign was “Saudi-imposed” Riyadh believed to have forced Hariri to quit because his government was effectively controlled by Hezbollah IRAN Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (above) has significantly increased Tehran’s influence in both Syria and Iraq, contributing to collapse of IS IRAQ Iran is main sponsor of powerful Shia militias that dominate Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) – dubbed as country’s second, and stronger, army Eager to claw back influence, Riyadh has this year engaged with Iraq’s prime minister Haider al-Abadi and influential Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr (pictured). Riyadh and Baghdad have said they will open Arar border crossing for first time in 27 years QATAR Riyadh spearheading economic boycott by four Arab nations of Qatar, saying gas-rich country backs terrorism and cosies up to Iran YEMEN Saudi Arabia remains deadlocked in war waged since March 2015 against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have been fighting against Saudi-backed central government Riyadh has blamed Iran for supplying Houthi rebels with weapons including ballistic missiles – move described as “act of war” SAUDI ARABIA Recent anti-corruption purge appears to have completed consolidation of power by 32-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (left), freeing him to pursue aggressive confrontation with Iran TURKEY SYRIA ISRAEL EGYPT IRAQ Arar JORDAN BAHRAIN Riyadh SAUDI ARABIA Tehran IRAN KUWAIT UAE OMAN YEMEN 125 miles 200km Sources: Reuters, FT, Al-Jazeera, Al-Monitor Pictures: Getty Images, Associated Press © GRAPHIC NEWS