Opportunities and Threats of Virtual Diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in an Era of Two Space

The ever-expanding developments of information and communication technologies have led to significant changes in human life, and the interactions between physical and cyber spaces has created a "two-space world". As a result, international relations has also been affected from this trend and "virtual diplomacy" has come to the fore in the sense of practicing foreign policy in cyberspace. Ensuring National Interests requires understanding the nature, function, opportunities, threats, and rules and norms governing cyberspace and at the same time preparing to respond to its challenges.This article seeks to explain the opportunities and threats of Iran's virtual diplomacy. Research findings indicate that major opportunities as facilitating to engage a broad range of audiences, expediting diplomatic affairs, facilitating consular services and contacts with Iranian  diaspora, increasing soft power, reducing costs, facilitating monitoring and reporting of international developments, confronting Iranophobia and Shi'a phobia, worldwide disemination of ideas and aspirations, and participation in making relevant international norms and institutions.And the major challenges and threats of it could be listed as destructive Acts of extremist, terrorist and International Criminal Groups, reducing competitors’ costs, threats to critical infrastructures, domination of hegemon powers on infrastructure, technology and content of cyberspace and also questioning the legitimacy and efficiency of political system.