The Impact of US Congress on American Foreign Policy Towards Iran (2005-2017)

US Congress, as a legislative pillar of democracy, has a significant impact on American foreign policy. Nevertheless, the role of the US Congress is not limited to domestic politics rather they would usually shape US foreign policy. Since the Islamic revolution, US Congress has adopted an aggressive approach towards Iran. The US legislative institution, as a domestic source of US foreign policy, has shaped US foreign policy toward Iran by imposing economic sanctions. The purpose of the research is to increase the Iranian officials’ understanding of US domestic politics. Therefore, the main question of the research is: What is the impact of US congress on American foreign policy towards Iran (2005-2017)? In order to answer the main question, the authors would use neo-classical theory. In addition to systemic factors, neoclassic realism would consider domestic factors to explain foreign policy. The findings of research suggest that the US congress has encouraged US administrations to pursue an aggressive policy towards the Islamic Republic of Iran by imposing economic sanctions and by persuading the US administrations to implement them.