The Journal of Foreign Policy

The Journal of Foreign Policy

Iran, the Middle East and International Security

Document Type : Research Paper

Abstract
This article aims to study the current place of Iran in security system of the Middle East and international security. The new political, security and geopolitical developments in the Middle East after the September 11 and Iraqi invasion has made the Middle Eastern issues more general, interconnected and international. This has also connected the security system of the Middle East to international security system. The new development has also changed the political and power structure of the region in favor of Iran resulting in strengthening the regional role and bargaining power of the Islamic Republic in the region.
The author believes that increasing Iran’s role is due to enjoying a higher geopolitical position as well as cultural and ideological elements of power of the country from one hand and the new political and security developments in the region and emergence of a new definition of the nature of threats for international security from the other. From this view Iran is a point to link the Middle East security to international security. The author concludes that Iran has a good opportunity to strengthen its strategic position in the region.