If that is correct then it would mean that Iran has the potential to become a regional superpower if sanctions would be removed i.e the islamic republic becomes something else than it is today. The holy kingdoms in the Persian gulf would not want Iran to be stronger than it already is. USA and...
I think it's the other way around. Turkey,Egypt and KSA have more potential to gain influence in Syria because of geographical proximity,ethnic and religious reasons. While in the case of Iraq this is true for Iran.
Looking at it from say 200 year perspective wouldn't it mean that Turkey is in a weaker position in respect to KSA than before? Why would KSA acquiring nuclear weapons have a net effect of 0 for Turkey?
The question then is what kind power would the americans want. I admit I'm worried because when I look around around region I don't see prosperous countries, oil producing or not, I see instable or stagnated societies who in the long term will not have advanced despite being on good terms with...
Agree! But as you say that big hand will have two sides. All lessers powers have to agree to a degree of interference in their affairs if they want to be accepted in the international (american) community.