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Iran’s foreign policy under
new gov’t
Now more than ever, Iran needs to continue sincere and constructive dialogue and cooperation to achieve a common understanding of regional opportunities and challenges to enhance mutual cooperation while recognizing the obstacles to these goals.
There are extensive commonalities between Iran and the regional countries and Tehran believes shared strengths outweigh real, fabricated, or externally imposed points of divergence.
Tehran have moved beyond Iranian-Arab dialogues and entered into regional discussions, and now stand at the stage of regional cooperation. The new Iranian government’s foreign ministry must pursue this project on four levels:
1. Bilateral relations: At this level, efforts should focus on restoring ties to a suitable path by reopening embassies and consulates, increasing diplomatic visits, developing economic relations, and boosting tourism.
2. Strengthening regional bonds: By improving bilateral relations, a more favorable environment for regional cooperation and consultation can be created. Political solutions for West Asian crises, such as those in Syria and Yemen, and the need for a strong region to address emerging challenges are principal areas for consensus among regional players.
3. Setting up a regional institution: Iran should work for the establishment of a dialogue forum and eventually a regional organization capable of addressing regional issues at a higher level, providing solutions, and ensuring enforcement.
4. Collective security formation through regional decisions: A collective resolve is required to counter threats like instability, insecurity, terrorism, and Western alliances’ inclination to spread weapons of mass destruction in West Asia, ensuring the region does not become a haven for terrorists.