Analysis of the Sacred Action Strategy in Iran's Foreign Policy: A Case Study of Iran-Iraq Relations

Iran-Iraq relations have always been influenced by complex factors, including historical, geopolitical, and cultural considerations. Despite religious and cultural similarities, the two countries have faced challenges such as the eight-year war, territorial disputes, and regional rivalries. In this context, the concept of "sacred action," proposed by Martyr Qasem Soleimani, has played a key role as a distinct approach in Iran's foreign policy towards Iraq. Unlike conventional grand strategies that often emphasize the use of hard power and domination, sacred action is based on ethical, humanitarian, and religious values, aiming to create sustainable stability and regional solidarity.

This research examines the dimensions and impacts of the sacred action strategy in Iran-Iraq relations using a descriptive-analytical method and qualitative content analysis. The research findings indicate that this strategy has not only increased Iran's influence in Iraq's security and political structures but has also helped reduce the country's dependence on foreign powers. Furthermore, sacred action has served as a model in regional interactions, providing an alternative to approaches based on hard power and forced influence. The results of this study show that the sacred action strategy can be defined as an operational framework in Iran's foreign policy through four main dimensions: (1) preventing self-centeredness in the international arena, (2) developing cooperative geopolitical relations, (3) prioritizing common interests, and (4) avoiding reliance on ethnic and racial ties in foreign relations. This approach has not only contributed to strengthening Iran-Iraq relations but can also serve as a model for other regional and international interactions.