International Sanctions Against the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Shift in Power Dynamics in West Asia

Using a descriptive-analytical method and employing the theory of international regimes, this study addresses the question: how have international sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran affected shifts in power dynamics in West Asia? The findings indicate that international sanctions have brought substantial changes to Iran’s military, economic, and diplomatic policies in the region, intensifying regional rivalries and tensions. Although these sanctions have negatively impacted Iran’s economy, they have not fully achieved the West’s objectives against the country and have, instead, contributed to increased geopolitical tensions in the region. On the other hand, the Islamic Republic of Iran has mitigated these pressures through diplomatic tools, informal networks, and alternative pathways, maintaining its influence in the region. Furthermore, despite the economic challenges imposed by the sanctions, Iran has bolstered its military power and continued its support for the "Axis of Resistance" in countries like Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, asserting a pivotal role in regional equations and remaining a key player in West Asia.