ISAS Working Papers

Iran is often seen only as a ‘rogue state’ by the Un ited States (US) and its Western allies. But the idea that one of the oldest civili s ations is now ruled by ‘ mullahs ’ with no rational vision of international affairs is rather simplistic. The fact is that, even if some in the Iranian political elite can be seen as ‘hawks’ or leaders of a nationalist ‘neoconservative’ movement, Tehran is rather pragmatic in international affairs. Of course , the Islamic Republic can be protectively aggressive if it is provoked or feel s threatened, but its first goal is to pr otect itself as a regime and as a nation. The best example of this can be seen when one takes a close look at the Afghan istan - Iran relationship. What can be seen in the recent past as well as in the post - 9/11 period is that the Iranian thinking towards its neighbour is dictated by a sense of realism . In that perspective, Iran can be a force for stability in Afghanistan immediately after 2014... if old wounds and Washington’s tensions with Tehran do not come in the way.