The Regional Strategy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dealing With ISIS and Its Consequences for National Security and Power | ||
| پژوهش های راهبردی سیاست | ||
| Volume 14, Issue 53 - Serial Number 83, July 2025, Pages 145-184 PDF (1.71 M) | ||
| Document Type: Research Paper | ||
| DOI: 10.22054/qpss.2024.77450.3359 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Mohsen Bagheri* 1; Enayatollah Yazdani2; Mohammad ali Basiri3 | ||
| 1Ph.D, International Relations, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran | ||
| 2Professor, Department of Political Sciences and International Relations, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran | ||
| 3Associate Professor, Department of Political Sciences and International Relations, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Introduction In the post-Cold War era, regions have assumed a significantly greater role in shaping global polarity and the international order. Among these, the Middle East stands out as one of the most crisis-prone regions in the world. During this period, the Middle East has drawn considerable attention from analysts due to the unique nature of its conflicts—distinct from those in other parts of the world. These conflicts often go beyond the interstate level, involving not only state actors but also non-state actors, as well as regional and extra-regional powers. A notable dimension of these conflicts is the prominent role of identity and ideological components in both their emergence and persistence. One such crisis exemplifying these characteristics is the rise of ISIS in Iraq and Syria. This non-state actor has posed significant threats to regional order and security, as well as to the national security and interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran. However, every security challenge also presents potential opportunities, depending on an actor’s capacity to turn threats into opportunities. The rise of ISIS and other Salafi-Takfiri terrorist groups in Southwest Asia—particularly near Iran’s borders—undoubtedly created serious threats to Iran and its allies, both in terms of identity and physical security. Nonetheless, through the implementation of a specific regional strategy, Iran managed to deal with this anti-security phenomenon and turn the threats into opportunities that advanced its national and regional interests. This was largely the result of the specific security strategy adopted by the Islamic Republic of Iran to deal with the ISIS threat. Therefore, it is of considerable importance to analyze Iran’s strategy against ISIS and its consequences for the country’s national security and interests. Materials and Methods The present study employed a descriptive–analytical method, and relied on library and documentary sources. Framed within the strategic depth approach and the balance of power theory, this research used the views and directives of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran to analyze Iran’s regional security strategy and policy in response to the threat posed by ISIS. Results and Discussion Based on the views of the Supreme Leader regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran’s regional foreign and security policy, the analysis revealed several key elements of Iran’s regional strategy against the ISIS threat. These include proactive cross-border action and defense to counter threats within Iran’s regional strategic depth, the development of a regional network of allies, and the formation of a military alliance with Russia to preserve Syria and its political system. By adopting a defensive–offensive strategy and taking active measures against ISIS—with a focus on maintaining and expanding its regional strategic depth—Iran was able to transform the ISIS threat into a range of strategic opportunities. These opportunities, as consequences of Iran’s regional strategy, significantly influenced the country’s national security and power. The most notable consequences include the expansion of Iran’s influence and strategic depth, an enhanced regional role and power, the preservation and strengthening of the Axis of Resistance, increased strategic cooperation with Russia and China, and resistance against Western influence and American hegemony in the region. The security threats posed by ISIS were so immediate and extensive for Iran that any kind of inaction could have resulted in serious and long-lasting risks to the military, political, and territorial integrity of Iran and its allies. However, through a strategic approach, Iran was able to manage the situation and transform the threats into opportunities. This raises the central question: Within what framework can Iran’s security policy in response to the ISIS threat be evaluated? The central assumption of the study is that Iran’s security policy towards ISIS can be understood within the framework of maintaining and expanding the regional strategic depth. The significance of ISIS as a threat lay not only in its challenge to Iran’s physical and national security—particularly its political and military dimensions—but also in its threat to the identity and ontological security of the Islamic Republic. As a result, responding to this threat became an urgent necessity; any delay or inaction could have jeopardized Iran’s territorial security for years to come. Iran accurately assessed the severity of the ISIS threat and responded with urgency through a variety of ways and means of national power. Iran’s regional strategy against ISIS was aligned with its regional and even extra-regional security macro-strategy—one that aims to maintain and enhance trans-border strategic depth. This was achieved through a combination of active defense and offensive strategy, such as mobilizing the forces, building coalitions, and forming alliances both inside and outside of Iran’s borders. Drawing on decades of investment in regional alliances—specifically through its network known as the Axis of Resistance—Iran was able to mount an effective response to the ISIS threat. This initiative allowed Iran and its allies to expand their strategic, defense-security, and ideological depth and influence across the region—from Iraq and Syria to Lebanon, occupied Palestine, and Yemen. The successful confrontation of ISIS by Iran and its allies significantly deepened Iran’s strategic relations with the Iraqi government, particularly through its connections with the Shia allies in Iraq. Confronting the threat of ISIS simultaneously increased Iran’s regional influence and power of deterrence, including that of its non-state allies such as Hezbollah. This, in turn, deterred potential military attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel. Additionally, the situation elevated the status of Iran and the so-called Axis of Resistance as stabilizing forces in the region, contributing to regional security and the fight against Salafi-Takfiri terrorism. As a result, the Axis of Resistance was preserved and strengthened, and Iran expanded its network of both state and non-state allies. This expansion included closer cooperation with Russia and China, leading to the formation and growth of a strategic alliance with Russia on the international stage. Furthermore, by reinforcing the military power of its allies, Iran was able to counter the Western and Israeli hegemony in the region. These developments collectively deepened Iran’s strategic depth in West Asia. Conclusion Iran’s strategy in addressing the ISIS threat centered on implementing and pursuing a security policy aimed at maintaining and deepening its strategic depth while countering cross-border threats at the regional level. In this way, Tehran managed to confront the anti-security force of ISIS by employing the strategy of regional strategic depth and expanding its network of allies. This not only helped deal with the immediate threat but also transformed it into an opportunity to strengthen and advance the Axis of Resistance, safeguard national interests and security, boost regional power, and enhance its power of deterrence in West Asia. Iran could also deepen strategic relations with Russia and China, positioning itself to more effectively resist foreign influence and Western hegemony. Ultimately, these efforts contributed to a shift in the regional balance of power in favor of Iran and its allies—particularly in opposition to the U.S., Israel, and their regional and extra-regional allies. This shift has become increasingly evident in the context of the Gaza war, its regional consequences, and its broader international implications—as reflected in the measures taken by Iran and its allies. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| ISIS; Iran; Terrorism; Regional Politics; Axis of Resistance; National Security; Regional Power; Strategic Depth | ||
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