ISIS and Creation of Balance of Threat in Iran-Iraq Relations

Iran's relation with its western neighbor is one of the most unusual in the history of foreign relations in international Relations. This relation has included long-term dispute periods and short-term period of peace and coexistence in recent centuries. From 1958 to 2003, there were many severe disputes between two countries that led to eight-year war between them. After escalation the war in Syria and Neo salafist groups’ arrival in this country, most of the Syria’s neighbors are also involved in this crisis. Among these neighbors, Iraq is confronted with a crucial situation. The invasion of Neo salafist groups, especially Islamic State in Iraq and Sham (ISIS), to Iraq due to a crucial condition for both Iraq and Iran. Therefore, the expansion of ISIS presence results in creating a common threat for these neighbors and encourages them to create the balance of threat. This article aims to investigate the impact of ISIS’ expansion to Iraq on creating a balance of Threat in Iraq-Iran relations.