Originally Posted by
wondering
Without oil both countries would fall back into oblivion. Nations of sheep and camel herders living in a middle age society. And that would be the end of their story. Who in the West would really care about this dry arid land? The conflict Iran vs SA would just be another shrug in the rest of the world.
There is a lot more to the Iranian economy than oil although that does under pin it. It has a broad industrial base although not enough to provide anything remotely close to full employment and it coped whilst sanctions crippled its oil exports. It is more democratic than Saudi Arabia and women have more influence and freedom than Saudi women. Its culture also goes back into pre history and led to a large empire and influence in the wider area. Iranian people are by and large quite conservative but are open, friendly and incredible hospitable. As such I think that your comment that they'd fall back into oblivion without oil, to be somewhat wide of the mark.