Iran’s Foreign Policy Explained: Islamic Ideology, Strategic Alliances, and Global Challenges 2025

A beautiful country of the continent of Asia, having Islamic ideology, one of the oldest civilizations of the world, is an important and influential country of the Middle East. Its influence is not only in Asia but in the whole world. Its foreign policy, religious ideology, regional dominance underlines it in the whole world. This country plays an active role in the whole world including the Middle East.

 Iran's stance has always been against America and Israel. It says that Western countries including Europe harass people having Islamic ideology and exploit them. Apart from this, Iran plays an active role in regional allies like Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. Let us know what is the policy of this country about this country, what is Iran's opinion about the world, know in detail -

Historical Background of Iran - Revolution of 1979

In 1979, there was a revolution in Iran which is known as the Islamic Revolution. After this revolution, there was a big change in Iran's foreign policy. Before the Iranian revolution, most of the rulers there were supporters of Western countries. After this revolution, Iran changed its policies and became an Islamic Republic. Since then, Iran is still an Islamic country. Its policies are inspired by Islamic ideology. And from time to time, the inclusion of religious ideologies is reflected in its policy and intentions.

Main pillars of Iran's foreign policy

1. Anti-West ideology

 Iran's foreign policy has been against Western countries since 1979. According to Iran, it strongly opposes the intervention of Western countries and their policies. Among these countries, it considers America and Israel as its main opponents.

2. Shia Crescent Strategy

Iran is a country with a Shia majority Islamic ideology, so Iran supports Shia community based governments and organizations in other countries, such as the Assad regime in Syria, Hezbollah of Lebanon, Houthi rebels of Yemen and Hamas in Gaza. Supporting them increases Iran's regional influence.

3. Nuclear ambition

One of Iran's main ambitions for a long time has been to try to make nuclear weapons. It is constantly trying for this. But it has not succeeded yet. The 2015 nuclear deal with America was a major diplomatic success for it, but this deal became a success after President Trump came to power in America and the recent Iran-Israel conflict is also an example of this ambition. 

4. Strategic partnership

 America has imposed many economic sanctions on Iran. And it also keeps making strategies for Iran's Kiravali all over the world. For this, Iran has formed an alliance with countries like Russia and China to counter America and its allies. Like Iran's 25-year strategic partnership with China.

5. Resistance economy and fight against sanctions

Iran is constantly changing its policies to counter the sanctions imposed by America and Western countries. For this, it is adopting a policy of self-reliance. For this, it has strengthened trade relations with countries like Russia, China, India, North Korea and Venezuela.

Challenges of Iran's foreign policy

Iran's foreign policy has many opportunities and challenges. Due to American sanctions, Iran is facing an economic crisis. Which is barely keeping the economy running. Apart from this, there is always tension between its regional countries Saudi Arabia and Israel. Recently, there has been a conflict between Israel and Iran. Apart from this, its internal politics, reformist versus fundamentalist, is also very challenging for it. And Iran's policy regarding the nuclear agreement is also suspicious in the eyes of the whole world. The whole world keeps an eye on it, especially America and Israel.

Iran's relations with major countries

🇺🇸 With America:

Iran's relations with America have been tense since the 1979 revolution. There are no diplomatic relations between the two countries. There is no conversation between the two either. But some talks keep happening behind the scenes. Like recently Qatar mediated for talks between the two

🇷🇺 With Russia

Iran has very good relations with Russia. Whether it is military cooperation between the two in Syria or energy and arms agreements, Iran supplies most of its defense to Russia.

🇨🇳 With China

 Its economic relations with China are very good. Today China imports 80 to 90% of Iran's oil. Apart from this, it has also invested a lot in Iran. Which will prove to be a major link for Iran in the coming times

🇮🇳 With India

Iran's relations with India have always been balanced. Recently, India has developed Chabahar Port in Iran through which political, strategic and trade relations between the two countries have reached a new height.

Conclusion: The Future of Iran’s Foreign Policy

Iran's foreign policy stands at the crossroads of ideology and strategic necessity. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the country has consistently opposed Western influence while promoting its regional dominance through ideological alliances and resistance to global pressures. Its close ties with Russia, China, and developing countries like India reflect Tehran's shift toward a multipolar world order.

However, economic sanctions, nuclear tensions, and regional rivalries — especially with Israel and Saudi Arabia — continue to test Iran’s diplomatic resilience. The road ahead will depend on how Iran balances its internal political divisions, manages external threats, and adapts to evolving global dynamics. Whether through confrontation or cautious engagement, Iran will remain a central force shaping the geopolitical future of the Middle East and beyond.