Change in Foreign Policy of Iran Under Rouhani Government and Its Reflections in Domestic Politics

This policy brief assesses change in Iranian foreign policy and its reflections in domestic politics since the election of Hassan Rouhani as the new president of the Islamic Republic in June 2013. The brief argues that Rouhani’s agenda of ‘change’ during elections was the main reason for the Iranian people’s support for him and the course of this change has been projected from foreign policy towards domestic politics because of the current economic and social conditions of the country. Therefore, an analysis of the developments in Iranian foreign policy under Rouhani government is essential to evaluate what has been changed. Based on that, the brief moves from foreign policy and evaluates the reflections of change inside Iran by elaborating on the expectations of the Iranian people in domestic politics, constraints on internal change and the achievements of the government till present. The brief concludes, despite the resistance he faces from conservative forces, President Rouhani has a chance to succeed and this success in bringing change in domestic politics will depend upon his achievements in foreign policy and the support of the Supreme Leader as well as Iranian people t,o the government.