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| Foreign relations of Iran | |
|---|---|
| Name | Iran |
| Capital | Tehran |
| Leader title | Supreme Leader |
| Leader name | Ali Khamenei |
| Leader title1 | President |
| Leader name1 | Ebrahim Raisi |
| Established | Islamic Revolution |
| Area km2 | 1648195 |
| Population | 86 million |
Foreign relations of Iran Iran's external relations are shaped by its history as Persia, the 1979 Iranian Revolution, and strategic position on the Persian Gulf, Caspian Sea, and Strait of Hormuz. Tehran engages with regional actors such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iraq, and Israel (virtual adversary), while balancing ties with global powers including the United States, Russia, China, and the European Union. Iran's foreign policy intertwines ideology linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Wilayat al-Faqih with pragmatic aims involving energy exports, security, and regional influence.
Iranian diplomacy traces to ancient states like the Achaemenid Empire and modern interactions after the Qajar dynasty and Pahlavi dynasty. The 19th- and early 20th-century Great Game with British Empire and Russian Empire shaped borders and concessions such as the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907. The 1953 Iranian coup d'état against Mohammad Mossadegh reshaped ties with the United Kingdom and United States. The 1979 Iranian Revolution dissolved relations with the United States and catalyzed the Hostage Crisis at the United States Embassy in Tehran, reorienting Iran toward alliances with Islamist movements and nonaligned states, while confronting Iraq in the Iran–Iraq War. Post-war reconstruction saw renewed engagement with European Community actors, the United Nations, and regional neighbors.
Iran's doctrine combines revolutionary export of Wilayat al-Faqih ideals and pragmatic interests expressed in the Foreign Ministry of Iran and security institutions like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Official policy references concepts from leaders such as Ruhollah Khomeini and Ali Khamenei, seeking "strategic depth" through proxies and partnerships with groups like Hezbollah and movements in Palestine including Hamas and Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine. Iran maintains diplomatic missions in capitals including Beijing, Moscow, Paris, London, and complex relations with Washington, D.C. through interests sections and intermediaries like the Omani and Swiss protecting powers.
Tehran projects influence across the Middle East via ties to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and Gaza Strip actors. Relations with Iraq shifted after the fall of Saddam Hussein and through parties like the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq and Hashd al-Shaabi. Iran supports Bashar al-Assad of Syria against opposition and cooperates with Russia and Hezbollah in that theater. Rivalry with Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates centers on Persian Gulf security, sectarian competition between Shia Islam and Sunni Islam actors, and influence over Bahrain and Lebanon. Iran's posture toward Israel involves proxy conflict and entry into diplomatic disputes with states recognizing State of Israel.
Iran–United States relations remain adversarial after the 1979 Hostage Crisis, the designation of Iranian entities under State Sponsors of Terrorism, and tensions over sanctions and regional incidents. Engagements like the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action involved the European Union External Action Service, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and later withdrawal by the United States under Donald Trump. Iran deepened ties with Russia in security, energy, and arms transfers, cooperating in Syria alongside Syrian Arab Republic and Vladimir Putin's government. Relations with China expanded via the 25-year cooperation framework with Xi Jinping's leadership, covering energy, infrastructure, and People's Liberation Army partnerships. Iran’s diplomacy with European Union members navigates sanctions, nuclear negotiations involving the International Atomic Energy Agency, and trade channels with actors like Italy and Netherlands.
Iran's nuclear program, rooted at facilities in Natanz and Arak, led to inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency and international disputes culminating in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action negotiated with the P5+1: China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States plus Germany. Allegations of clandestine weapons intent prompted UN Security Council resolutions and sanctions. Debates involving figures like Mohammad Javad Zarif and agencies such as the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran continue over enrichment levels, the Fordow facility, and breakout timelines. Proliferation concerns intersect with regional security, missile programs overseen by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and diplomatic channels including backchannel talks in Vienna.
Iran's economy and foreign trade rely on hydrocarbons via partnerships with National Iranian Oil Company and export routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Sanctions imposed by the United States Department of the Treasury, European Union, and United Nations Security Council target finance, energy, and shipping sectors, affecting relations with Syria, Venezuela, and firms like Rosneft and CNPC. Iran pursues barter and local-currency trade with Turkey, Iraq, and China, and seeks investment from entities such as Qatar Investment Authority and South Korea's companies. Negotiations to ease sanctions have involved envoys from Germany, France, United Kingdom, and multilateral financial mechanisms including the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges concept.
Iran is a member of organizations such as the United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Economic Cooperation Organization, and observer or partner in regional fora including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Non-Aligned Movement. Tehran engages with the International Atomic Energy Agency on safeguards and with the World Health Organization on health diplomacy. Disputes at the UN Security Council over sanctions and resolutions reflect Iran’s contested status, while participation in multilateral talks has involved mediators like Oman and multilateral frameworks hosted in Vienna, Geneva, and Baghdad.
Category:Foreign relations by country Category:Politics of Iran