Abstract:

The study examines Iran’s public diplomacy on the basis of culture and theo-politics. Based on the assumption that the Islamic Revolution and the Shiite concept deeply influence Iran’s foreign policy and public diplomacy, the argument that Iran’s public diplomacy is Shiite-based transnational and theo-political has been developed. The article argues that Iran follows a public diplomacy based on engagement with Shiite communities in order to realize its foreign policy objectives and spread its influence. It has been argued that Iran’s preference for public diplomacy is influenced by the fact that Iran cannot win the Sunni governments in the Middle East. Iran’s foreign policy has been put forward on the level of building relations with people instead of states. Finally, it is concluded that Iran’s public diplomacy is propaganda based on state control.

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