Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Qatari Foreign Ministry: Qatar and Egypt welcome Hamas' announcement of its agreement to release American Aidan Alexander.
Hamas says to release US captive Edan Alexander.
Al Mayadeen's sources: Trump will announce that Hamas will release US captive Edan Alexander from Gaza.
Al Mayadeen correspondent: Israeli aircraft bombed the coastal province of Hodeidah on the Red Sea, west of Yemen.
The Israeli occupation military issues a bombing threat against the Yemeni ports of Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and Salif.
UKMTO says vessel reported a small craft colliding with it, attempting to collide with other vessels in the area
UKMTO says it received a report of an incident 80NM northwest of jebel Ali, UAE
Israeli Foreign Minister says 'Israel' fully endorses Trump plan for Gaza aid: Reuters
Iranian state media: The fourth round of nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington has kicked off in Oman
Senior Israeli intelligence official: Contacts are underway between Syria and "Israel" to retrieve the body of the spy Eli Cohen

The rise of Iran as regional power; its firm stance against pressure in negotiations

  • Ashkan Mombeini Ashkan Mombeini
  • Source: Al Mayadeen English
  • 12 Mar 2025 14:58
  • 2 Shares
4 Min Read

Iran's rise as a regional power has shaped its strategic approach, particularly in negotiations, where it has consistently refused to engage under threats or pressure.

Listen
  • x
  • The rise of Iran as regional power; its firm stance against pressure in negotiations
    Time is on Iran's side, and it does not need to rush into agreements that compromise its long-term security interests (Illustrated by Batoul Chamas; Al Mayadeen English)

Over the past few decades, Iran has emerged as a significant regional power in the Middle East. Despite economic sanctions, geopolitical challenges, and external pressures, the country has managed to enhance its influence across various domains, including military, political, and economic spheres. This rise in regional power has shaped Iran’s strategic approach, particularly in negotiations, where it has consistently refused to engage under threats or pressure.

Iran’s regional influence: A multi-dimensional power

1. Military and strategic influence

Iran has built a robust defense infrastructure, relying on a combination of indigenous missile technology and drone capabilities. Through alliances with regional actors and the Axis of Resistance, Iran has established a deterrence strategy that allows it to counterbalance foreign military presence in the region.

Moreover, the development of Iran’s ballistic missile program and its expanding naval capabilities in the Gulf serve as critical elements of its defense doctrine. These advancements ensure that any direct military confrontation with Iran would come at a significant cost to its adversaries.

2. Political and diplomatic leverage

Iran’s influence extends beyond military strength. The country has played a crucial role in regional diplomacy, positioning itself as a key player in conflicts and resolutions across the Middle East. Its positive and constructive role in regional equations demonstrates its ability to shape political outcomes and maintain a strategic depth that deters external intervention.

Related News

Why the Israelis cannot win in Gaza or Yemen

Ansar Allah triumphant: US facing Red Sea defeat again

Additionally, Iran’s membership in international organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and its growing ties with Russia and China reinforce its position as a global player, limiting the effectiveness of Western isolation tactics.

3. Economic resilience and alternative alliances

Despite years of sanctions, Iran has developed economic strategies to bypass restrictions, including expanding trade with neighboring countries, strengthening partnerships with China and Russia, and developing domestic industries. The Iran-China 25-year strategic agreement and Russia-Iran economic collaborations highlight Tehran’s ability to counter Western economic pressure by diversifying its partnerships.

Why Iran refuses to negotiate under pressure

Iran’s strategic calculations are based on its negative historical experiences regarding the West's broken promises and hostile policies toward Iran.

Iran will never accept negotiations under pressure, threats and sanctions because it believes that negotiations should be based on mutual understanding, respect, dignity, and authority.

Several factors explain why Iran refuses to negotiate under coercion:

1. Failure of maximum pressure policy

The US “maximum pressure” policy, initiated during the Trump administration, aimed to force Iran into submission through severe sanctions. However, instead of capitulating, Iran expanded its peaceful nuclear program, increased its regional influence, and deepened its strategic partnerships. This outcome demonstrated that pressure tactics are ineffective in altering Iran’s core policies.

2. Historical precedents, lessons learned

Iran has gained valuable experience from diplomatic engagement with the West and the United States that they are not trustworthy, particularly the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA). While Iran complied with the agreement, the US withdrawal in 2018 reinforced Tehran’s belief that Western commitments are unreliable. As a result, Iran insists on negotiations based on mutual respect rather than coercion.

3. National sovereignty, strategic patience

Iran’s political doctrine is heavily influenced by the concept of "strategic patience".

Time is on Iran's side, and it does not need to rush into agreements that compromise its long-term security interests. This approach has allowed Iran to strengthen its regional position while waiting for more favorable diplomatic conditions.

If Iran were to negotiate under pressure, it would set a precedent that external threats can dictate its policies. Such a move would weaken its credibility both domestically and regionally, emboldening adversaries to use similar tactics in the future. By standing firm, Iran reinforces the message that diplomacy with Tehran must be based on mutual respect rather than intimidation.

Iran’s rise as a regional power is undeniable, and its refusal to negotiate under threats and pressure is a direct consequence of its strengthened geopolitical position. Military advancements, diplomatic leverage, and economic resilience have all contributed to Tehran’s confidence in shaping its own destiny. As history has shown, engagement with Iran requires recognition of its strategic interests rather than reliance on pressure tactics. If the international community and the United States seek meaningful dialogue, it must approach Iran with respect, acknowledging its role as a pivotal player in the Middle East.

The opinions mentioned in this article do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Al mayadeen, but rather express the opinion of its writer exclusively.
  • United States
  • Iran nuclear deal
  • US
  • Trump administration
  • Maximum Pressure
  • Trump
  • Islamic Republic of Iran
  • Iran
Ashkan Mombeini

Ashkan Mombeini

Expert in international affairs

Most Read

All
Throughout Operation Prosperity Guardian, current and former US military and intelligence officials expressed disquiet at the enormous “cost offset” involved in battling Ansar Allah. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Zeinab El-Hajj)

Ansar Allah triumphant: US facing Red Sea defeat again

  • Opinion
  • 3 May 2025
"Israel" appears to be the only place in the world where there are actual demonstrations defending rapists as national heroes precisely because of their crimes. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Batoul Chamas)

'Israeli pride' - Celebrating rape in the Zionist entity

  • Opinion
  • 4 May 2025
Why the Israelis cannot win in Gaza or Yemen

Why the Israelis cannot win in Gaza or Yemen

  • Opinion
  • 7 May 2025
The hero who overthrows tyranny: The path of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam

The hero who overthrows tyranny: The path of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam

  • Blog
  • 2 May 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

More from this writer

All
NATO's unity could be tested, as some European countries may advocate for diplomatic engagement with Russia, while others push for stronger deterrence measures. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Ali al-Hadi Shmeis)

Trump’s new approach in foreign policy and European/NATO security concerns

Geopolitical competition and strategic interests in Gaza

Geopolitical competition and strategic interests in Gaza

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS