The Principles and Rules Governing the Formulation of the Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Approaches and Findings)

Foreign policy can be considered as a set of goals, plans, and actions aimed at safeguarding a country’s survival and enhancing its position in the international system. However, the concept of survival extends beyond mere physical existence; it encompasses other critical factors such as economic development, political security, and social stability. The key question is: What factors influence a country’s foreign policy decisions and how do these policies manifest themselves?
There are generally different approaches to answering this question. The first approach is related to structural realists, who assert that the factors influencing foreign policy are rooted in the macro levels and structures of the international system. In contrast to this view, another group of theories—regardless of the role of structural components—believes that internal factors within countries play a more decisive role in shaping foreign policy than structural factors. Finally, some other theories, instead of strictly separating the influence of structural (exogenous) and internal factors, emphasize the interaction between these two groups of factors and the impact of the structure through internal (endogenous) level factors.
Influential factors operate at two levels within the international system and geopolitics, ultimately shaping a country’s foreign policy. At the innermost layer, decision-makers play a pivotal role. Much of this layer operates through the constitutional mechanisms of countries. Notably, the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran contains several principles and clauses that delineate the goals and priorities of its foreign policy.
 
Clause C of the second constitutional principle emphasizes the rejection of tyranny, oppression, and domination—a critical indicator within Iran’s system. Substantively, the constitution outlines rules governing the government, addressing the relationship between the government and the people. It emphasizes comprehensive public supervision over government affairs and regulates crucial matters within the political society. From the constitution’s content, we deduce its complete supremacy over all subjects, authorities, and laws. Given that this law establishes qualifications, it inherently surpasses all institutions and authorities listed therein. Consequently, no authority or institution should act contrary to the Constitution, as doing so would compromise its competence.
Foreign policy consists of four principles (principles 152 to 155). Even though foreign policy measures fall under the duties of the executive branch, their importance warrants an independent chapter. The constitution unequivocally rejects any form of hegemony in foreign policy, emphasizing the preservation of all-round independence and territorial integrity. It prioritizes defending the rights of all Muslims and maintaining non-commitment to hegemonic powers, promoting mutual peaceful relations. Additionally, the constitution designates non-belligerent countries as a crucial foreign policy goal. To this end, it prohibits any contract that would result in foreign domination over natural and economic resources or other national affairs.
 
Furthermore, within this chapter, the Islamic Republic of Iran upholds the ideal of human happiness across the global human society. It recognizes independence, freedom, and the rule of truth and justice as fundamental rights for all people worldwide. Despite avoiding interference in the internal affairs of other nations, Iran actively supports the rights-seeking struggles of the oppressed against arrogance wherever they occur.
Accordingly, fundamentalization is one of the most effective approaches in shaping and advancing the movement to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens against governmental authority. This issue has garnered significant attention within the realm of public law. One of the primary functions of public law is precisely to protect citizens’ rights and freedoms from government intervention.
 
Basicization, as defined and operationalized, involves elevating the value and status of laws and regulations—commonly referred to as “normal norms”—to align with the principles and validity of the constitution. Essentially, basicization grants these normal norms the same value and legal standing as constitutional norms. This process occurs through judicial proceedings and the application of legal interpretation tools.
The foundation and keyword of the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran originate from Islamic beliefs and values, verses, narrations, valuable views of Imam Rahal (RA), and the leaders of the system. These principles align with the Constitution and emphasize preserving human dignity, realizing happiness, and promoting human well-being within the global community under the umbrella of peace. The foreign policy encompasses interactions with the world, security considerations, human freedom, and equality. It also underscores maintaining independence while rejecting domination.
 
Given the significance of this subject, the constitution of each country outlines and elucidates the foundational principles and strategic directions of foreign policy. Consequently, a clear vision and roadmap are established for various nations in this regard.
In the end, it should be pointed out that the Islamic Republic of Iran has made all efforts to secure national interests, prosperity, and security within the turbulent international system. This endeavor is pursued with a hopeful approach, aiming to achieve the lofty goals of the Islamic Revolution—a vision derived from the profound teachings of Imam Rahal (peace be upon him). The country’s foreign policy aligns with the deep insights of the great leader of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khamenei Dam Zaleh Al-Ali.
“In this direction, the diplomatic system warmly welcomes the companionship, participation, and critical perspectives of society’s elites. Their collaboration contributes to achieving the country’s foreign policy objectives within a broad and consensus-based framework. The foreign policy apparatus remains committed to addressing issues closely tied to national interests and security at both macro and national levels. It actively seeks to prevent internal political disputes from encroaching upon foreign policy matters and emphasizes the importance of diplomacy in navigating these complex challenges.”
In particular, the provisions contained in the principles of the constitution have had a significant impact. Over the past four decades, different governments have employed various strategies to achieve the constitution’s stated goals, particularly in securing and guaranteeing national interests, including national security. They have embraced a comprehensive approach.
 
However, an important consideration for future researchers is to what extent the Islamic Republic of Iran’s system exemplifies the goal of promoting human happiness within the global human society—a society of which Iran is undeniably a part. Is this achievement fully realized? Reflecting on this matter may even prompt a reevaluation of certain constitutional principles related to Iran’s foreign policy.