Iran: Aspirations and Constraints

The Islamic Republic of Iran is described by some pundits as a “middle power,” or as an influential regional player, without whose cooperation not many Gulf and Middle Eastern problems can be satisfactorily addressed. The republic has achieved a level of power and resource capability to be able to impact geopolitical developments within its region and beyond, in support of what it regards as its national interests. The country’s economic and hard and soft power, along with its size, geographical position, culture, and riches drawn from oil and gas, are taken into account in this respect. It is therefore able to affect events, positively or negatively, in its neighborhood, and to deal with major powers from a bargaining position at bilateral and multilateral levels. This chapter discusses the status of Iran in the context of 'middle power' discourse.