ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the analysis of the Iranian political situation from three perspectives; Iran as an Islamic movement, a revolutionary movement and with reference to the complexities and intricacies of its unique political system. The development of Iran's foreign policy from one based upon the exportation of the revolution to one espousing a 'dialogue amongst civilisations', is reflective of the changes that are occurring within Iranian society, as well as the dichotomy that is inherent in its political structure and ideology. Iran is the only product of the Islamic movement of the 1970s that turned its quest for a more Islamic society into direct political control. The examination of the contemporary political environment in Iran corroborated most of the above conclusions. Religious participation is on the decrease, while disillusionment with the current political structure is increasing. As for Iran, the Taleban regime in Afghanistan has played an interesting role in the internal political development of Iran.
