Compilation of strategies to confront Iran in the South Caucasus region

Considering the importance of the South Caucasus region for Iran, it is very important to know the geopolitical factors affecting the development of Iran's strategy in this region. The purpose of this research is to develop strategies for Iran in the South Caucasus region.

This research is based on the combined model of SWOT strategic analysis and QSPM strategic planning model. The current research is considered to be descriptive-analytical in terms of applied nature and in terms of study method. The method of data collection was library and field studies (questionnaire and interview).

The analysis from the SWOT model shows that although Iran has the capacities that can make it an important player in the Caucasus region, international sanctions, the presence and influence of regional and extra-regional powers near Iran, border tensions and armed conflicts, pressure from minorities Independence and autonomy, as well as the lack of infrastructure, are the main obstacles on the way to achieving this goal for Iran.

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At the same time, the priority table of the selected QSPM strategies shows that among the six selected strategies, the strategy of strengthening trade relations between Iran and the Caucasus countries in the field of crude oil and gas, petrochemical products, steel, etc., has an attractiveness score of 93.4 compared to others. Strategies are of high priority.