Neighborhood Policy in Iran’s Foreign Affairs: A Proposed Model and Policy Recommendations

A sound neighborhood policy, followed by regional integration based on local and regional models, has always been of great importance to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Its significance has grown over time, to the point where it has been established as the primary foreign policy strategy of the 13th government. The question remains: What is the indigenous model of neighborhood policy in Iran’s foreign affairs? This research presents a three-dimensional model in the areas of understanding, engagement, and confrontation, based on Iran’s interactions with its neighbors. The study also offers recommendations and solutions to improve relations with neighboring countries at various cultural, economic, political, and security levels. Data was collected through documentary research and in-depth interviews with academic and executive elites in the country’s foreign policy. A descriptive-analytical approach was also employed for data analysis.