7. The Ottoman-Safavid conflict was primarily driven by: A. Territorial disputes over Centrol Asia. B. Competition for control of Indian Ocean trade. C. Religious differences between Sunni and Shira Islam. D. Rival claims to the title of caliph.

The correct answer is D. Rival claims to the title of caliph.<br /><br />The Ottoman-Safavid conflict was primarily driven by rival claims to the title of caliph. The Ottomans, who were Sunni Muslims, claimed to be the rightful successors to the Islamic caliphate, while the Safavids, who were Shia Muslims, asserted their own claim to the title. This rivalry over religious and political authority led to prolonged conflicts between the two empires.