Investigation of the Impact of the Foreign Policy of the "Look to the East" Approach of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Iran's Economic Interests during the Thirteenth Administration

Abstract

The emergence and occurrence of certain significant domestic and transnational events have always influenced the trajectory of the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Ultimately, these factors have led to the current direction of the executive branch's will in the Thirteenth Administration, which is embodied in the adherence to the "Look to the East" approach, with China at the forefront. Today, China, due to its high standing in the contemporary world and its comprehensive growth and development, especially in the economic and commercial spheres, is considered a model for other countries, particularly developing nations. The main concern has been the impact of the foreign policy approach of "Looking to the East" on Iran's economic interests. Based on the realist approach, China, by prioritizing economic regionalism and creating synergy between its geopolitical and geoeconomic positions in East Asia, seeks to balance the Pacific axis with the Atlantic axis led by the United States. Therefore, responding to the Pacific axis led by China is not a choice for Iran but a strategic necessity. The research findings indicate that the "Look to the East" policy aims to secure economic and geopolitical interests and to find a strategic partner for the Islamic Republic of Iran.