Security Horizons

Security Horizons

Analysis of Iran's Active Neutrality Strategy Towards the Ukrainian Crisis: Ontological Security Achievements and Strategic-Economic Privileges

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Instructor and lecturer at Imam Hussein (AS) Officers' University
Abstract
This research aims to analyze the strategy of "active neutrality" of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards the Ukrainian crisis and explain its achievements within the framework of "ontological security theory". Using a descriptive-analytical method and collecting data from library sources, the findings show that this calculating strategy has in practice strengthened Iran's existential security by strengthening its "identity", "honor", and "agency" as an independent and influential actor in the transitional international order. At the operational level, this stance has brought significant strategic-economic advantages to Iran's national interests, the most important of which include strengthening forced convergence with Russia against joint sanctions, temporarily reducing Western diplomatic pressure due to focusing on the crisis, achieving a new position in the Eurasian energy equations, opening up new commercial and arms opportunities, and increasing bargaining power in the regionalization of power. This study argues that the ontological gains and tangible strategic benefits derived from this strategy are the main justification for its adoption and continuation as a rational response to existing security paradoxes.
Keywords
Subjects


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 20 September 2026

  • Receive Date 29 January 2026
  • Revise Date 24 February 2026
  • Accept Date 20 September 2026
  • Publish Date 20 September 2026