The role of identity in shaping and guiding the policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran in response to the Syrian crisis

The wave of revolutions in Arab countries has had a great impact on the strategic position and interests of Iran's regions. The most important of these waves is the arrival of its regional ally, Syria, led by Bashar al-Assad. From the beginning of the unrest, Iran's support for the Syrian regime was clear. The Islamic Republic of Iran followed the developments in Syria with special care and sensitivity, and as an important regional actor and power, tried to take action in order to maintain strategic relations with this country and also to protect its national and regional interests. To take positions in support of the government of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Therefore, the present article seeks to answer the question of what factors and requirements have influenced the policy and stance of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards the Syrian crisis? The present article, while pointing to the realistic dimensions of Iran's foreign policy, based on the identity components of the Islamic Republic of Iran, analyzes the country's positions on the Syrian crisis. In general, the present study suggests that Iran's foreign policy, and in particular its participation in the Syrian civil war, reflects pragmatism aimed at maintaining the balance of power and maximizing its security while maintaining and expanding revolutionary identity (including religious ethics and normative values). ) have been.