The Logic of Deterrence in the Foreign Policy of I.R. Iran

The defense strategies of each country are a response to regional and international threats. Countries that have historically been under threat and aggression are more concerned about their existential security than other states. Iran's defense system is influenced by its strategic culture in various ways. This political culture, which has been formed and changed by facing numerous threats and challenges, significantly impacts the national defense approach. For this reason, the issue of security and deterrence has been a vital issue for different governments in Iran. Since the Iranian Islamic Revolution, Islam has been the core of the country's security and defense policies. For this reason, understanding Islam's approach to the concept of defense and security in Iran's foreign policy is essential. Consequently, using the discourse analysis method, this research investigates the hidden meaning in the texts to analyze the concept of deterrence in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This article examines the religious logic of deterrence in the Islamic Republic by evaluating the oral and written documents and fatwas of the supreme leader. The findings of this research show that the nature of Iran's defense strategy in the framework of Islamic thought is based on an active deterrence strategy against regional and international threats and maintaining its second-strike capability to prevent the risk of war against Iran.