Iran's Path to Diplomacy: Challenging the Unipolar Paradigm in Nuclear Negotiations

Abstract

This article explores Iran’s nuclear program and its diplomatic strategies against the backdrop of the unipolar paradigm in international relations, focusing on developments since the early 2000s. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study analyzes Iran’s maneuvers in nuclear negotiations and their impact on the unipolar world order led by the United States. The investigation covers key historical stages from the program's inception, signifi cant shifts under diff erent Iranian administrations, and the pivotal dynamics surrounding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Case studies, including Iran’s response to the U. S. withdrawal from the JCPOA and its membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, demonstrate Iran’s multifaceted and resilient diplomatic tactics. The analysis suggests that Iran’s strategies challenge the unipolar paradigm, indicating a shift towards a multipolar global order. This research contributes to understanding the evolving dynamics of international relations, highlighting the trend of nations asserting autonomy in a traditionally unipolar-dominated global structure.