Iranian foreign policy after the revolution

Foreign policy priorities of Iran have recorded a gradual but unsteadycourse of evolution from a revolutionary zeal to a pragmatist focus. Duringthe initial years of the Islamic Republic, the enthusiasm of the inexperiencedrevolutionary cadres has led to dramatic consequences and deteriorated theinternational stance of Tehran. A set of factors ranging from the heavyburden of the Iran-Iraq War, poor economic conditions and isolation from theinternational community, forced Iranian political elite to reduce the tensionwith its regional and international environment.Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic, some key issues likerelations with the U.S. continue to be the main subjects of the debate.Changing balances of the global relations after the end of Cold War and theattacks of September 11 made the regime in Tehran more vulnerable.Possible consequences of American presence in Iraq, reactions againstIran?s renegade nuclear program, the performance of Tehran?s economicpolicies, domestic stability in the country and new trends within thetransnational Shi?ite society -all seems interconnected- have the potential toset the agenda of future developments.