{"id":11433,"date":"2023-06-21T14:56:15","date_gmt":"2023-06-21T11:56:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/?p=11433"},"modified":"2023-06-26T15:51:54","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T12:51:54","slug":"features-of-iranian-foreign-policy-a-reading-of-khameneis-speech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/monitoring-and-translation\/reports\/features-of-iranian-foreign-policy-a-reading-of-khameneis-speech\/","title":{"rendered":"Features of Iranian Foreign Policy: A Reading of Khamenei\u2019s Speech"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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During his latest meeting with the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 20, 2023, Iran\u2019s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei outlined the features of Iran\u2019s relations with the outside world in the forthcoming period: Iran\u2019s effective involvement in all key  international economic and political developments and the employment of political and economic approaches. In addition, Iran must  clearly identify the approaches of other countries toward it,  influence policies and decisions that pose threats to it, weaken threats targeting  it, and comprehend the hidden regional and global agendas against it. Finally, Iran must strengthen governments and pro-Iranian groups to expand its strategic depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The features of Iranian foreign policy mainly focus  on the implementation of two key goals: the removal of pressures on Iran and the preservation of the Iranian expansionist project. This report highlights Khamenei\u2019s new determinants for Iranian foreign policy as well as its features by addressing the following aspects: the features and constants of Iranian foreign policy, a reading of Khamenei’s speech and its implications, and the impact of his speech on Iranian foreign policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Features and Constants of Iranian Foreign Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Iran\u2019s foreign policy is committed to and based on a set of constants and the comprehensive rules that govern the country\u2019s political system. These constants are closely related to the survival of the system and its continuity. They are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Centrality of Ideology and National Identity in Iranian Foreign Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iranian foreign policy is based on the theory of Wilayat al-Faqih and its sectarian principles that govern Iran\u2019s political system. It is also based  on the principle of Persian national identity. The theory of Wilayat al-Faqih and national identity are also manifested in the religious identity of the Iranian state and the nature of the ruling system that is overwhelmingly dominated by the clerics. They set the course of Iranian foreign policy in accordance with the principles of the theory of Wilayat al-Faqih and national identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ideology and national identity are central to Iranian politics. Thus, Iranian foreign policy pivots on several principles: pan-Islamism as the guardian jurist is the guardian of all Muslims, the creation of a Persian identity that preserves the internal supremacy of the Persian race in the face of non-Persian identities, and the rejection of dependency on the West and its model. A different model and identity must be established by launching the so-called \u201cUniversal Islamic government.\u201d As such, Iran has divided the world into the \u201cforces of arrogance\u201d (the United States and its allies) and the oppressed (Iran and its allies).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iran\u2019s ideological and national dimensions are closely related to the system\u2019s longevity, as its validity and legitimacy are based on the mentioned dimensions. Therefore, one of the main tasks of the system, which is closely related to its longevity and survival, is exporting the 1979 revolution and propagating Shiism abroad. Iran\u2019s ruling establishment claims that this is a necessity to emancipate peoples and support the oppressed all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Constitutional Basis of Iran\u2019s Sectarian, National and Revolutionary Character<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sectarian, national, revolutionary and interventionist Iranian character is not limited to the mindset of the clerics who dominate the system in Iran, and the theoretical texts of Wilayat al-Faqih. This character  is embedded in the Iranian Constitution. This document includes many clear and explicit provisions regarding the sectarianism, ideological and revolutionary character of Iran to champion the voice of the oppressed. In line with this character, Iran\u2019s foreign policy was fashioned, and its tools, spheres of influence and approaches to the world  identified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Constitutionally, the theory of Wilayat al-Faqih expresses a global Shiite order led by the Iranian guardian jurist. The Iranian Constitution grants Iran the right to interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign countries, violate the territorial integrity of countries, and ride roughshod over the principle of good neighborliness. The Constitution and its many provisions stipulate the principle of exporting the revolution and also grant the Iranian political system great power. This is because they call on Shiites to support the system and defend its principles, and even encourage them to sacrifice themselves to protect the system,  if the need arises. The Constitution also turned  Iran  into a hotspot for Shiites whether in the Middle East or beyond, providing the system with additional support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>Not to Overlook the Pragmatic Nature of Iranian Foreign Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The revolutionary and interventionist ideology is embedded in Iranian foreign policy under the pretext of championing the oppressed and protecting Shiite shrines abroad. However, pragmatism is evident in Iranian foreign policy whether in the context of managing events and transformations or establishing relations and alliances. Therefore, if the revolutionary and ideological principles conflict with the higher interests of the Iranian state, the political system often pursues the latter; referred to as \u201cheroic flexibility\u201d by the supreme leader. If the higher interests of the Iranian state necessitate dialogue with those that Iran describes as the \u201cforces of arrogance,\u201d it will be ready for dialogue with the United States, in any place as mentioned by Mohammad Javad Larijani. This was illustrated by the Iran-Contra affair, and the sale of oil to European countries to buy weapons from Russia, China and North Korea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iran also has close relations with Sunni movements like Hamas and Jihad to satisfy its interests. Meanwhile, its relations with Azerbaijan, a Shiite majority, are weak, while it has good relations with Armenia, a Christian country that is hostile to Azerbaijan. Nothing is more expressive of this pragmatism than Khamenei\u2019s previous remarks when he said, \u201cwhen we look at the countries with which we have relations, we look at our interests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>Iran\u2019s Revolutionary Character: Crises at Home and Isolation Abroad<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Iran\u2019s revolutionary, sectarian, nationalistic and interventionist policies have put the country in a very complex situation, with the system facing massive popular unrest. Iranians have been on the streets shaking the system\u2019s pillars and demanding major amendments and changes in both Iran\u2019s internal and external policies because they have created very difficult realities  at home: deteriorating socioeconomic conditions, rising unemployment, inflation and crime rates as well as a plummeting currency. The successive massive popular protests have exhausted the system and exposed the domestic crises including the tussle with the \u201creformists\u201d who want to make constitutional amendments. In addition, the ethnic and religious equations have come to the fore because of Iran\u2019s prioritization of Persian nationalism at the expense of other ethnicities and religious groupings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regionally and internationally, Iran faces isolation and is under siege. Its policies influence the existing governments in the region and fuel political conflicts and sectarian strife  and it supports non-state actors that pledge loyalty to the Iranian system. It violates all international agreements and covenants related to respecting international borders, sovereignty of nation-states, non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries and the principle of good neighborliness. It adopts a foreign policy that intersects and collides strategically and ideologically with the interests of what Iran calls the \u201cforces of arrogance,\u201d and it frames the arms race in the context of defending Iranian interests. This isolation and siege have put immense pressure on the Iranian system, forcing it to seek regional reconciliation, and adjust, albeit tactically, its foreign policy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Reading of <\/strong>Khamenei\u2019s Speech and Its Implications<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The speech of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei directed to the Iranian diplomatic corps, conveyed several messages, with implications ranging from reassurances to threats. Given the overlapping nature of regional and international files, the speech needs to be carefully dissected to determine its impact and implications.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>Adherence to the Principles of Iranian Foreign Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reiterated that Iran must adhere to the principles of Iranian foreign policy and show wisdom as well as prudence and deliberation when implementing them. One of the manifestations of this wisdom is the need to be flexible to overcome difficult obstacles and continue to pursue the higher interests of the Iranian state. This flexibility is not at odds with its foreign policy principles, in fact, it means finding ways to reach the end goal. He mentioned the misunderstandings which emerged about the term \u201cheroic flexibility\u201d that he coined before the 2015 nuclear deal. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strengthening Ties With Allies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Khamenei\u2019s emphasis on adhering to the principles of Iranian foreign policy was understood by Iran\u2019s allies, particularly by pro-Iranian non-state actors and militias, in a positive light, meaning that Tehran will not break its ties with them because they manifest and embody the principles of Iranian foreign policy. Khamenei explicitly referred to this when he mentioned, \u201cstrengthening and developing governments and pro-Iran groups, and expanding the strategic depth of the country.\u201d This speech was clear and direct, Iran will continue to support its proxies through which it has managed to extend its influence in many Arab countries. These proxies have provided Iran with strategic depth. On the other hand, it can be understood from Khamenei\u2019s speech that Iran abandoning its proxies will result in the loss of its strategic depth. Khamenei called on Iran\u2019s diplomats to extend the country\u2019s strategic depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reassuring the Region of Good Neighborliness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his speech, Khamenei also referred to Iran\u2019s relationship with neighboring countries. He described the current Iranian government\u2019s approach to them as important and very correct. He believes that the policies of the major powers in the region are subversive, and they are intent on driving a wedge and creating problems between Iran and its neighbors, and their policies should be thwarted. In this context, some points from Khamenei\u2019s speech reflected Tehran\u2019s implicit recognition of its role in straining relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He warned that every step of Iranian foreign policy must be logical and deliberate. In addition, he mentioned that the reckless and unaccountable decisions and actions had harmed the country on some occasions. In relation to this point, Khamenei did not provide examples, as he did when clarifying misunderstandings of the term \u201cheroic flexibility.\u201d It is a fact that Iran\u2019s specific reckless actions have harmed the country. For example, the targeting of diplomatic missions of countries is a violation of international law and norms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Khamenei talked about the relationship between domestic and foreign policy. He emphasized the significance of the latter in managing and strengthening the country. Turmoil and problems in foreign policy  will cause the general situation of the country to suffer. It is possible to conclude that Tehran will be careful not to strain its relations with neighboring countries to preserve and increase the economic opportunities, which in turn will help in impeding domestic unrest that is threatening to the survival of the system. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Messages to the Great Powers: Pride, Not Begging<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Khamenei\u2019s speech was dominated by the language of threat and aggression when it came to Iran\u2019s relations with the major powers. He urged the diplomatic corps to act proudly, and to rely on Iran\u2019s principles in words and deeds, and to confront the actions of other countries. Honor, according to the supreme leader, means the avoidance of begging. He is convinced that transformations in the international system will be the outcome of a long-term process, with a lot of fluctuations and unexpected events in the process. He called on the diplomats to strengthen Iran\u2019s relationship with Russia and China, with the need to cooperate and find common ground regarding some current international issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Impact of Khamenei\u2019s Speech on Iranian Foreign Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several observations can be made in this context:<\/p>\n\n\n\n