ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the regional implications of Iran’s foreign policy, both in the Middle East and the South Caucasus. While Iran is also involved in the regional development of Central and South Asia, it focuses on making a comparative analysis between its policies in the Middle East and in the South Caucasus, due to the significant contrast which would facilitate a better comparison. The chapter demonstrates that, since the end of the war with Iraq, Iran has pragmatically adopted a cooperative approach in its regional policies. It discusses issues at a regional level with regard to Iran’s policy in the South Caucasus. The chapter examines the case of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as a comprehensive example in which many aspects of Iran’s South Caucasus policy can be demonstrated. It also discusses Iran’s Middle East policy based on important political milestones such as different post-revolution or post-Cold War periods.
