Analysis of middle power and behavior of the Islamic Republic of Iran: opportunities and challenges of expanding regional influence

The concept of middle power is used to explain the intermediate behavior, identity and foreign policy role of governments. Iran, as an emerging middle power, has both structural and behavioral elements to play such a role. The aim of the current research is to analyze the position of Iran in the categories of power within the framework of a combination of realism, behavioral and constructionist approaches and a new understanding of the regional middle power and then based on this analysis with a qualitative method and a descriptive-analytical approach to these questions should be answer why Iran's has decided to display its power and influence abroad, or what Iran's actions have been to achieve these goals, and what is the challenges or limitations of Iran's intermediate behavior at the level of the Middle East region? In response, this hypothesis is proposed that Iran's goal of expanding its regional influence is to ensure the survival of Iran, to fight against the influence and regional order of its opponents, including America and Israel, to support the resistance front, especially the Palestinians, to achieve to their own rights and exportation of Islamic revolution to the region in order to unify the Islamic world. The results of the research indicate that, although the Republic of Iran has expanded its power and influence in the region in appropriate historical opportunities; But for various reasons, ; It has many limitations and challenges to establish and expand its influence at the regional level and beyond.