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zabihi, R., golestani, J. (2025). Iran–Pakistan Relations Under the Rouhani and Raisi Administrations: Trends, Challenges, and Strategic Imperatives. Electronic and Cyber Defense, 11(2), 129-151.
reza zabihi; javad golestani. "Iran–Pakistan Relations Under the Rouhani and Raisi Administrations: Trends, Challenges, and Strategic Imperatives". Electronic and Cyber Defense, 11, 2, 2025, 129-151.
zabihi, R., golestani, J. (2025). 'Iran–Pakistan Relations Under the Rouhani and Raisi Administrations: Trends, Challenges, and Strategic Imperatives', Electronic and Cyber Defense, 11(2), pp. 129-151.
zabihi, R., golestani, J. Iran–Pakistan Relations Under the Rouhani and Raisi Administrations: Trends, Challenges, and Strategic Imperatives. Electronic and Cyber Defense, 2025; 11(2): 129-151.

Iran–Pakistan Relations Under the Rouhani and Raisi Administrations: Trends, Challenges, and Strategic Imperatives

دولت پژوهی ایران معاصر
Article 6, Volume 11, Issue 2, July 2025, Pages 129-151    PDF (815.14 K)
Document Type: Iran's foreign policy
Authors
reza zabihi* 1; javad golestani2
1Assistant Professor of International Relations, Department of Iranian Geography Studies, Iranology Foundation, Tehran, Iran
2Allameh Tabataba'i University
Receive Date: 13 March 2025,  Revise Date: 14 May 2025,  Accept Date: 14 May 2025 
Abstract
Pakistan is one of Iran''s most significant neighboring countries, with bilateral relations strategically important in political, security, and economic dimensions. This study provides a comparative analysis of Iran-Pakistan relations during Hassan Rouhani''s and Ebrahim Raisi''s presidencies. During Rouhani’s tenure, an "engagement diplomacy" approach was emphasized, whereas the Raisi administration prioritized the "Look East" policy. Economically, Rouhani’s government focused on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and preferential trade agreements, while Raisi''s administration emphasized neighborhood policy more. Despite the efforts of both governments, challenges such as economic sanctions, border security issues, and the influence of regional and extra-regional powers hindered the full realization of the potential in Iran-Pakistan relations.
Politically, Iran-Pakistan relations during Rouhani''s presidency were shaped by engagement-oriented diplomacy and opportunities created by the JCPOA. In contrast, during Raisi’s term, they were influenced by the strengthening of the Eastern bloc. In terms of security cooperation, these relations fluctuated from limited efforts to mitigate border threats under Rouhani to enhanced military interactions under Raisi. Furthermore, ideological differences and domestic challenges in both countries have had a continuous impact on bilateral ties.
This study employs a qualitative research methodology and utilizes the theoretical framework of neoclassical realism. The findings indicate that structural factors at the international level, domestic political dynamics, and specific bilateral interactions—such as border security and energy projects—played a crucial role in shaping Iran-Pakistan relations. Accordingly, the development of border infrastructure and the strengthening of security and economic cooperation could lead to an improvement in bilateral relations between Iran and Pakistan.
Keywords
Iran; Pakistan; foreign relations
References
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