1403 (March 2024 – March 2025) was one of the most distorted and decisive years in Iran’s modern foreign policy history. The year that began with Ayatollah’s martialism was followed by the election of a new president and the formulation of a new diplomatic strategy, with the advocate of Abehim Reisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdrahian. This year was a mix of resistance, tragic events, diplomatic opportunities and strategic changes in the trajectory of the Islamic Republic.
The new chapter began with a tragic loss
In May 1403 (May 2024), Iran lamented the loss of two influential figures in its domestic and foreign policy. Ayatollah Raeisi and Hossein Amir-Abdollahian marched in the crash of a helicopter.
Both leaders played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing Iranian foreign policy, from their “look” strategy to supporting the axis of resistance and countering Western sanctions.
Their martialism poses a major challenge to Iranian foreign policy not only due to the loss of two important architects in its diplomacy, but also because it required the appointment of successors at a very sensitive period.
International Reaction: Genuine Support or Political Computation?
Following the announcement of the Martianship of the President and Foreign Minister, the world witnessed the pouring of the message of Sad Dol. Iran’s allies and regional resistance groups viewed the incident as a serious loss on the anti-department front. Meanwhile, some Western countries expressed their sadness in a careful tone that was interpreted as a diplomatic gesture rather than a sincere expression of sympathy.
Meanwhile, the US and some European countries view the incident opportunistically and view it as a potential catalyst for changes in Iran’s foreign policy. They speculated that changes at the highest level of Iran’s administrative sector might push Tehran to more compromised policies.
Presidential Election: A new path or continuation of past strategies?
With the martialism of Ayatollah Reisi, Iran faced one of the most important elections in modern history. The political landscape of the country rapidly mobilized to elect his successor. The election was not only important nationally, but also closely monitored internationally. Because the new president needs to guide Iran’s foreign policy at a time of very sensitiveness.
The key question in this election was whether Iran will continue Leisi’s foreign policy or shift to a revised approach. Will the “look” strategy remain a priority? Will Iran continue to support the resistance front? Or will the new administration redefine relations with the West and adopt a conditional interaction policy?
Ultimately, the elected president reaffirmed Iran’s basic foreign policy principles. In his first speech, he highlighted active regional diplomacy, unwavering support for the front of resistance, widening ties with the Eastern states, and neutralising sanctions through international economic cooperation.
Post-election foreign policy: resistance diplomacy and development
After the establishment of the new government, Iran’s foreign policy focused on several key areas.
1. Continuing the “Look East” strategy
In 1403, Iran continued to prioritize strategic cooperation between China and Russia. Active participation in Shanghai cooperative organizations and strengthening economic ties with BRICS member states were important steps in this regard. Economic and military cooperation, particularly in avoiding Western sanctions, remained a top priority.
2. Improve local influence
The Iranian president and foreign minister martialism did not change Tehran’s regional policy. Support for the resistance front in Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen remained unshakable. Iran continued to counter Israel’s expansionist policies and US intervention in the region. Palestinian resistance operations against Israel highlighted the continuity of Iran’s foreign policy, with Iran’s decisive response to security threats and open support for the resistance front.
3. Conditional interaction with the West
Iran strengthened ties with eastern countries, but diplomatic engagements with Europe and the United States continued in certain regions, but only under conditions that respect the red line of the Islamic Republic. Economic and political negotiations were pursued without compromising Iran’s core foreign policy principles.
4. Revitalizing economic diplomacy
The new administration prioritized expanding non-oil exports, strengthening economic ties with neighboring countries, and promoting trade routes. Efforts have been pursued to mitigate the impact of sanctions and attract foreign investment, particularly from local states.
Continuing support for Yemen, Palestine and the Resistance Front
One of the most important aspects of Iran’s foreign policy in 1403 was its unwavering support for the front of resistance. Amid the new aggression of Israel against Gaza, Iran played a key role in supporting Palestinian resistance groups. Additionally, Yemen emerged as a key player on the axis of resistance, increasing attacks on Israeli and US-linked ships. Iran directly and indirectly supported these actions and reaffirmed its commitment to the path of resistance. Furthermore, Tehran worked actively to keep Palestinian issues alive on the international stage through a diplomatic initiative aimed at building a global consensus on Israeli crime.
Iran’s Challenges and Diplomatic Opportunities in 1403
Iran’s foreign policy faced both challenges and opportunities this year.
Key issues include economic pressure from sanctions, Western efforts to isolate Iran at a global stage, security threats from Israel and certain regional states, domestic political complexity, and different views on involvement with the West.
At the same time, Iran has had several diplomatic opportunities, including expanding its role in regional and global issues, strengthening its economic and strategic partnerships with China, Russia and its neighboring countries, supporting the front of resistance, strengthening Iran’s international legitimacy among independent countries, and active participation in international organizations to counter Western pressure.
The decisive year of Iran’s foreign policy
1403 was a pivotal and eventful year in Iran’s foreign policy. The presidential election, a martian of the president and foreign minister, continues to support the front of resistance, regional and international engagement, and all that faces Western pressure has contributed to a turning point in Iran’s diplomatic history this year. Ultimately, despite the major challenges, Iran’s Islamic Republic not only maintained its foreign policy approach, but also strengthened its position in the global equation.
MP/