The Impact of Perception and Misperception on the Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran during the Years of 2020-1997 (Case Study: Iran-US Relations)

Iran-US relations, which before the Revolution of 1979 were considered strategic allies in the region, have always faced various challenges over the past four decades, and today they have become fierce enemies. Ideological conflicts, the question of Palestine, completely different rivalries and regional policies, and the escalation of these differences into proxy wars, have pitted the two countries against each other in a dangerous way. However, despite the deep differences, some of which were mentioned, at certain times, we have seen a reduction in tensions or limited cooperation between the two countries on some regional issues. The author believes that part of the reason for the fluctuations in reducing or increasing tensions in relations between the two countries should be sought in the process of perception and misperception of leaders and decision makers. A process whose place of study is in the field of political psychology. Based on Robert Jarvis' cognitive theory, this article seeks to answer the question of the different personalities and patterns of behavior of the heads of the above governments by assuming the radical and aggressive positions of the Ahmadinejad government and comparing it with the peaceful policies of the Khatami and Rouhani governments in foreign policy. To what extent has it led to perceptions and misperception in the relations between the two countries and what have been the effects and consequences?