Analysis of Iran’s political strategy at the core of YSU Iranologists’ research

Liana Petrosyan’s research project, titled " The Impact of Domestic Political Currents of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Its Foreign Policy Towards the South Caucasus (2013-2024): A Case Study of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan," has received funding within the framework of the "Young Researchers Support Program-2025," announced by the Higher Education and Science Committee of the Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports. This project is expected to play a significant role in the in-depth analysis of Iran’s political developments.

Research Team

The research team comprises young Iranologists united not only by their scientific interests but also by their friendship and deep connection to their academic department.

"This research project is not only a scientific endeavor but also a vivid example of friendly cooperation. We have all worked together, and having shared interests has facilitated our current team-oriented work," states Liana Petrosyan.

The team has been studying this topic for many years, presenting papers at various conferences, especially in the context of analyzing the changes in the situation following the 44-day war.

"The developments occurring in the region have a direct impact on our research. The positions of Iran’s political currents towards the South Caucasus have become one of the key themes of our study," emphasizes Garik Misakyan, a lecturer in the Chair of Iranian Studies at YSU Faculty of Oriental Studies.

Period of Study

The research focuses on events from 2013 to 2024.

"We selected 2013 as the starting point because it marks the end of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s presidency and the rise of the reformist Hassan Rouhani. This period was significant in terms of changes in Iran’s domestic and foreign policies," explains Nare Gevorgyan, a lecturer in the Chair of Iranian Studies at YSU Faculty of Oriental Studies.

Phases and Methodology of the Research

The research will be conducted in stages, organized in a logical sequence. The team first collects data by studying Iran’s press, official statements, and academic and governmental sources.

"It is important for us not only to examine Iran's official political rhetoric but also to understand how it is perceived by different political circles," says Arpine Arushanyan, a lecturer in the Chair of Iranian Studies at YSU Faculty of Oriental Studies.

Additionally, roundtable discussions and conferences will be organized as part of the research, with an emphasis on international collaboration. The team has already established partnerships with universities and research centers in Iran, which will facilitate knowledge exchange and joint studies.

In addition, the results of the research could serve as a basis for the theses of team members who address this topic in their scientific work.

Expectations and Scientific Significance

The research team aims not only to offer new theories and analyses to the academic community but also to assist political circles in forming a clearer understanding of Iran’s positions. 

"We hope that our research results will be useful in the political decision-making process. Our goal is to provide analyses that have both theoretical and practical significance," says Arpine Arushanyan. 

Moreover, YSU Chair of Iranian Studies, known for its scientific potential, could further strengthen its position on the international academic stage through this project.

"The academic staff of the Chair of Iranian Studies, under the leadership of Professor Vardan Voskanyan, the Head of the chair, plays a significant role in the scientific study of Armenian-Iranian relations. We hope that this research, along with other studies conducted by the chair, will contribute to the development of our academic school," adds Liana Petrosyan.

This research is important not only for academic studies but also for a deeper understanding of regional politics.