Iran Pivots to Diplomacy in New Regional Strategy

Iran is making fundamental adjustments to its regional policy, trying to adapt to changing geopolitical realities. According to an analysis by Daily Sabah, the upcoming elections in Iraq will be the first serious test of the Islamic Republic's new strategy, the main goal of which is to reduce the risk of direct intervention by the US and Israel, prioritizing diplomacy rather than forceful methods.

A clear manifestation of this strategic change is the recent high-level visits. This refers, in particular, to the visits of the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, to Iraq and Lebanon, as well as the visit of the leader of the Iraqi Shiite coalition "National Wisdom Movement," Ammar al-Hakim, to Tehran. These, according to the Turkish publication, "show that Iran is restructuring its security strategy and influence through diplomacy, institutional mechanisms, and the reduction of the use of hard power."

It is noted that the role of Iran's National Security Council has significantly increased in matters of security and foreign policy. This is not only an institutional change but also a direct response to "Israel's growing military pressure and US regional actions." Tehran views the demands of the United States for the disarmament of its allied groups and sanctions against them not only as a security threat but also as an attempt to limit its regional influence.

In this context, relations between Iran and Iraq are moving beyond a purely symbolic rapprochement, striving to strengthen the strategic partnership through institutions and concrete mechanisms. "Al-Hakim's visit to Iran signals the beginning of a new era in Iraqi-Iranian relations," the publication concludes, emphasizing that Tehran is trying to maintain its influence with more flexible and diplomatic tools.