By AIC Research Associate Brooke Lowe

Following Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s ascent to office on August 3 2021, Iran has witnessed several shifts in its foreign policy pursuits and overall agenda compared to those under former President Hassan Rouhani. While Raisi has been cautious on the foreign front, several significant changes have taken place, including an increased focus on relations with Russia and China. In Iran, although the President guides the direction of foreign policy, he is just one member of the Supreme National Security Council, which is the body responsible for establishing Iran’s national security policy. Therefore, while Raisi has the potential to alter the direction of foreign policy, he requires support from other actors. Nonetheless, Raisi finds himself leading an Iran with growing regional prominence and likely sees little reason to take major risks or even to  negotiate with the West.