Iran's Approach Towards Pakistan – Between Expectations and Reality.

This article examines Iran's policy towards its eastern neighbour, Pakistan. It argues that, despite significant differences and geopolitical challenges, cooperation between these two states is inevitable and that it will continue, regardless of international and domestic fluctuations. Iran, both as a monarchy until 1979 and then as an Islamic Republic, has considered Pakistan an important and valuable partner. However, this cooperation is unlikely to transform into a deep, strategic partnership: the national interests and goals of both states are too contradictory. Moreover, other factors – such as international sanctions, poor security, and lack of funds – hinder the development of relations. This paper covers two periods: that of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi before 1979 and of the Islamic Republic of Iran since. Three areas of cooperation have been analysed: political, economic and security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]