Foreign Policy from the Perspective of Imam Khomeini

Mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of countries good and peaceful relations and the rejection of domination and subservience have been the important principles of the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and have always been emphasized by Imam Khomeini. while paying attention to observing the foundations of Islam and preserving the authority of the Islamic Republic system Imam Khomeini emphasized constructive interaction with the world and relations with all countries

Undoubtedly, the Islamic Revolution of Iran was one of the most important fundamental cultural and political changes in the world in the late 20th century under the leadership of Imam Khomeini. With a transformative approach and based on religious teachings and popular support, it presented a new model of governance called religious democracy to the world. What distinguishes the Islamic Revolution from other developments of the 20th century is the existence of a well-informed leader as an outstanding, comprehensive, and guiding figure at the helm of affairs. Among the important teachings of the Islamic Revolution of Iran under the leadership of Imam Khomeini is his realistic approach to international issues and foreign policy. Therefore, this article will try to examine some of the dimensions and axes of Imam Khomeini's thoughts on foreign policy and his approach to the international system and global issues.

One of the principles that Imam Khomeini (RA) emphasized in foreign policy was the policy of neither East nor West. He believed that we should use the principle of invitation, which is the first principle in Islamic foreign policy, to establish balanced relations with all countries (except the Zionist regime and countries that do not understand the concept of fair reciprocity) with an active and extensive presence in all fields.

In Imam Khomeini's political thought, the rejection of domination and subservience has always been emphasized in foreign relations. After the revolution, Iran, by choosing the principle of neither East nor West, pursued a balanced foreign policy and, inspired by Imam Khomeini's thought, embarked on a path that welcomed relation and logical interaction with both sides without being subservient to the East or West.

Another point that has received serious attention in Imam Khomeini's view in the field of foreign policy is the emphasis on the path of independence and freedom. On this basis, in the framework of balancing foreign policy, at a time when the two blocs of the East and West had involved the world in their expansionist policies, Imam Khomeini presented another path for Iran, which created a different dynamism in the country's foreign policy and provided the grounds for the political independence and non-dependence of the Islamic Republic of Iran on world powers.

The special attention paid to relations with Islamic and neighboring countries in Imam Khomeini's balanced and transformative foreign policy is quite evident. As the greatest advocate of unity in the Islamic world, he firmly believed in improving relations with Islamic countries and unity-making movements, and attached great importance to good neighborliness, which is one of the accepted principles of international relations. On this basis, from the beginning of the revolution, the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic in different governments has been based on developing good an sustainable relations with countries, and this principle has been considered an important priority in the foreign policy program of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Imam Khomeini in his political and divine will regarding good relations with Islamic countries and neighbors said: "My will to the foreign ministers at this time and in the future is that your responsibility is very heavy, both in reforming and transforming the ministry and embassies; and in the foreign policy of preserving the country's independence and interests and good relations with governments that do not intend to interfere in our country's affairs. And definitely avoid any matter that has the suspicion of dependency with all its dimensions. And strive to improve relations with Islamic countries and invite unity and solidarity, because the God is with you."

Imam Khomeini, as a savior leader, always wanted the happiness of all mankind and felt responsibility for them. In the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Article 11), based on the verse "This community of yours is one community, and I am your Lord, so serve Me." (Al-Anbiya: 92), the principle of unity among Muslims as a necessity in foreign policy is clarified and states that the government The Islamic Republic of Iran is obliged to base its general policy on the unity of Islamic nations and strive to achieve the political, economic and cultural unity of the Islamic world.

Conclusion

Imam Khomeini, as a jurist who has comprehensive political views based on jurisprudential principles and rules, believed in active presence in the international arena and had a clear, dynamic and inspiring view of the country's foreign policy. Examining Imam Khomeini's thoughts and opinions shows that a dignified foreign policy and having logical relations with the countries of the world and international organizations, peaceful coexistence and establishing fair relations with other countries, non-interference in the affairs of other countries, rejection of domination and subservience, non-reliance on world powers, unity of Muslims and the illegitimacy of the Zionist regime were of particular concern to Imam Khomeini, the great leader of the Islamic Revolution.

 

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran - Abu Dhabi