Ideological Foundation: The Core of Iran’s Foreign Policy
Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran’s foreign policy has been deeply influenced by the ideological principles of the Islamic Republic. The revolution transformed the country from a pro-Western monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to an anti-imperial, Islamic republic. The core ideology, as articulated by the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, revolves around the concept of “Islamic resistance” against foreign influence, particularly from Western powers, and the establishment of an Islamic government that would serve as a model for the Muslim world.
This ideological basis drives Iran’s foreign policy by positioning itself as a defender of oppressed peoples, particularly in the Muslim world, and as an adversary to the hegemony of the United States, Israel, and Western influence in the region. This resistance mentality is evident in Iran’s support for various political and militant groups across the Middle East, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Palestine, and various Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria. These alliances are designed to challenge the regional dominance of Iran’s adversaries and bolster the country’s own strategic interests.
Moreover, Iran’s foreign policy is shaped by the principle of “self-reliance” and strategic autonomy. This is reflected in the country’s reluctance to fully depend on any one power, be it the U.S., Russia, or China. Iran has consistently sought to diversify its international relationships, striking pragmatic deals with various powers, while maintaining its ideological commitment to independence and resistance.
Regional Ambitions: Dominance in the Middle East
Iran’s regional ambitions are closely tied to its desire for dominance in the Middle East, a region that is vital for both geopolitical and economic reasons. Iran’s position as a bridge between the Arab world, Central Asia, and the Caucasus gives it a unique strategic vantage point. Its influence extends across a vast arc, from the shores of the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf, and this geopolitical depth enables Iran to challenge its regional adversaries, notably Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Iran’s ambition to establish itself as a dominant power in the region is evident in its involvement in key conflicts, such as the Syrian Civil War, the Yemen conflict, and its backing of various groups in Iraq and Lebanon. In Syria, Iran has provided critical military support to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, ensuring its foothold in the Levant and securing an access route to the Mediterranean. This involvement is part of Iran’s broader strategy to maintain the “Axis of Resistance,” a coalition that includes Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Assad regime, and various Iraqi Shiite militias. Through this axis, Iran aims to counter Israeli and Western influence, particularly in Syria and Lebanon.
The Yemen conflict is another area where Iran’s strategic interests are at play. Iran’s support for the Houthi rebels in Yemen is seen as an extension of its rivalry with Saudi Arabia. By backing the Houthis, Iran seeks to weaken Saudi Arabia’s influence in the Arabian Peninsula and further deepen the sectarian divide between Sunni and Shiite factions in the region. This strategy not only counters Saudi power but also challenges the broader U.S.-Saudi axis that has traditionally dominated the region.
Iran’s regional strategy is also driven by a desire to protect its borders and ensure its security. Given the legacy of the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, Iran remains wary of external threats and prioritizes maintaining influence in neighboring states to create a buffer zone. The expansion of Iranian influence in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon is, therefore, seen as a way to secure its western flank and limit the influence of hostile powers near its borders.
Iran and the Middle East: A Complex Web of Alliances and Rivalries
Iran’s role in the Middle East is both multifaceted and contentious. The country’s pursuit of regional influence often puts it at odds with traditional Arab powers, especially Sunni-majority countries like Saudi Arabia, which views Iran’s Shiite-majority system as a threat to regional stability. The rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia has become a defining feature of Middle Eastern geopolitics, with both countries vying for influence in conflicts across the region, including in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.
In Syria, Iran has been a staunch supporter of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, providing military, financial, and logistical support. This has been part of Iran’s broader strategy to maintain access to the Mediterranean and preserve its regional influence. Iran’s involvement in Syria has also helped solidify its position as a key player in the “Axis of Resistance,” a coalition of Iran, Hezbollah, and Assad’s government, united against Western and Israeli influence.
The situation in Yemen offers another example of Iran’s involvement in regional power struggles. While it is widely believed that Iran supports the Houthi rebels in Yemen, this involvement is part of its broader goal of undermining Saudi influence and asserting its dominance in the Arabian Peninsula. The ongoing war in Yemen has not only had devastating humanitarian consequences but has also exacerbated the Sunni-Shiite divide in the region.
Iran’s support for Palestinian groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, is yet another example of its foreign policy aimed at challenging Israeli influence in the region. Iran’s backing of Palestinian militant groups has positioned the country as a staunch critic of Israeli policies, further complicating Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Iran’s Relations with the United States and the West
Iran’s relationship with the United States has been characterized by mutual mistrust and animosity. The U.S. Embassy hostage crisis in 1979, followed by decades of sanctions and diplomatic isolation, has shaped the bilateral relationship. Iran sees the U.S. as a major antagonist, particularly due to its support for Iran’s regional adversaries, such as Saudi Arabia and Israel.
However, there have been moments of engagement. The most notable example is the JCPOA, which marked a brief period of thawing relations under President Barack Obama. The deal demonstrated that diplomacy could yield results even in the face of deep-seated hostility. The Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign, which sought to force Iran into compliance through sanctions and military threats, set back any hope for reconciliation, while the Biden administration has expressed a desire to return to the deal, though obstacles remain.
Iran’s relationship with Europe is more complex, as European nations have sought to balance their economic interests with their desire to contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions. While the European Union has maintained support for the JCPOA, the U.S. withdrawal has strained relations and complicated efforts to salvage the agreement.
Iran’s Role in Global Geopolitics
Globally, Iran’s foreign policy plays a key role in shaping the broader balance of power. As a member of the Non-Aligned Movement and a significant regional power, Iran has sought to challenge the unipolarity of U.S. global dominance. Iran’s relationships with China and Russia have deepened in recent years, especially in the areas of military cooperation and trade. These alliances provide Iran with critical support in countering U.S. influence and sanctions.
Iran’s relationship with China has become particularly important, as the two countries have signed a 25-year cooperation agreement focused on trade, energy, and security. For Iran, China represents a vital economic lifeline, offering an alternative to Western markets and technology.
Conclusion
Iran’s foreign policy is a complex interplay of ideology, regional ambitions, and pragmatic diplomacy. The logic behind its foreign policy is rooted in the desire to protect its sovereignty, resist foreign influence, and assert itself as a dominant regional power. Iran’s strategy of leveraging alliances, fostering regional influence, and employing flexible tactics has allowed it to navigate a tumultuous geopolitical environment and maintain its position in the balance of power.As global power dynamics continue to shift, Iran will likely continue to adapt its strategy to counter external threats, assert its influence, and maintain its independence. The future of Iran’s foreign policy will depend on its ability to balance ideological imperatives with pragmatic considerations, as well as its ability to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries that define the modern global order. Ultimately, Iran’s role in the balance of power will remain a crucial factor in shaping the future of the Middle East and global geopolitics.
Iran’s foreign policy remains shaped by a complex mix of ideological conviction and pragmatic considerations. Its pursuit of regional dominance, particularly in the Middle East, has brought it into direct confrontation with rivals such as Saudi Arabia and Israel, while its nuclear program continues to be a flashpoint in its relations with the West. The future of Iran’s foreign policy will depend on its ability to navigate these tensions, maintain strategic alliances, and adapt to the shifting global order. As one of the most significant players in the Middle East, Iran’s actions will continue to have far-reaching consequences for both regional and global geopolitics.
