Publication

This paper examines the foreign policy of Iran, both from an ideological and pragmatic perspective and outlines its evolution since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The author argues that especially since the death of Ayatollah Khomeini, Iran has shown itself to be a rational and pragmatic actor in foreign policy despite occasional rhetorical outbursts on the part of Iranian leaders. The author concludes that a dialogue between the West and Iran may be of vital importance for the future of the Middle East and for peace in the region.