Iran’s relationship with the West
Iran's foreign policy has been a long-term source of concern for the international community. Theories of international relations do not fully explain Iran's changing stance: at times cooperative, at other times defiant. The EU-funded NUCBURPOLITICS (Understanding Iran's resumption of its nuclear program: The role of governmental politics) project aimed to explain Iranian dynamics on the subject. The study explored the idea that shifting distributions of power within Iranian politics may explain the changes to foreign policy of Iran. To achieve its aims, the project conducted a literature review of international sanctions and implications for Iran’s foreign policy, as well as changes to foreign policy with respect to domestic and international political issues. It then compiled details of Iran's evolving negotiations with Europe and the United States, thus building on international relations theory. Results indicate that international sanctions have encouraged Iran to negotiate. However, Iranian domestic political issues seem to have had little impact on Iran's foreign policy. Furthermore, international events and geopolitical dynamics have affected Iran's resolve concerning negotiations. In more detail, the project team found that nuclear and economic sanctions have been crucial in influencing Iran’s foreign policy. It also found that international developments, including sanctions, affected political preferences inside Iran. In parallel, it noted that the Supreme Leader Khamenei’s policies helped coax the country to the negotiating table in 2015. The team concluded that unfrozen assets and international investment are slated to boost moderates and reformists in Iran, eventually leading to a more liberal country. Importantly, as imports increase along with the purchasing power of Iranians, the EU is set to benefit more than the US due to geographic proximity. Lastly, Iran’s rise is set to lead to more influence on regional allies Iraq, Syria and Yemen, with Sunni Arab states seeking to balance the resurgent nation’s power. These insightful findings were disseminated through seminars, academia and the media. NUCBURPOLITICS has contributed new perspectives on political and other factors affecting Iran's foreign policy. The work can ultimately help guide international relations with Iran.