The Role of Virtual Education in the Development of Cultural Diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran; Case study of Al-Mustafa Virtual University

The Islamic Revolution of Iran took place in claim ofanind ependentanti-arrogant discourse with Islamic roots in the worldarena.Howevera ftermoret hanforty yearsof thisr evolution themain conceptand discourse of the system remained unknown to many parts of the world .The importance of information and communication in the presenta geont heone hand,and thead vent of the Internet and the in creasein the speed and amount of international communication, on the other hand, has given global power to countries and governments that have more access to global information and data. The field of education has also undergone changes with this trend and the emergence of virtual education has opened a new chapter for learners, professors, administrators and decision makers in the field of education. Therefore, the expansion of virtual education has become one of the ways to increase soft power and develop cultural diplomacy of countries. The present study, with a qualitative research approach, seeks to answer the question: what is the role of virtual education in the development of cultural diplomacy in the Islamic Republic of Iran? In the following, Al-Mustafa Virtual University (PBUH) has been studied as a subject for this purpose and its activities have been described. Finally, using the interview method with experts, the required data were collected and analyzed by thematic analysis method, 5 comprehensive themes entitled "Construction or destructiveness of e-learning in the dimension of intercultural relations", "Challenges of using e-learning in the international dimension" "Advantages and opportunities of using e-learning in the international dimension", "Requirements of e-learning activity in the international dimension" and " The role of Al-Mustafa Virtual University" and details of each in accordance with the role of virtual education in the development of cultural diplomacy Emphasis was placed on Al-Mustafa Virtual University.