An Analysis of Geopolitical Factors Influencing the Relations between the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the Islamic Republic of Iran

Document Type : مقالات علمی -پژوهشی

Authors

mohsen janparvar

Sarhad Hamad Shikhe ¹

seyed hadi zarghani ²

Rebaz Ghorbaninejad ³

¹ PhD Candidate in Political Geography, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

² ferdowsi university of mashhsd

³ Assistant Professor of Political Geography, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch

https://doi.org/10.22067/pg.2025.93967.1378

Abstract

The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, due to their geographical proximity, shared historical, ethnic, and cultural ties, and their respective geopolitical positions within the Middle East, exhibit a multidimensional interdependence and interaction. These dynamics have manifested in both cooperative engagements and strategic tensions. This study, employing a descriptive-analytical approach and drawing on both library and field data, analyzes the geopolitical factors influencing the bilateral relations between Iran and the Kurdistan Region. To provide a structured framework, the geopolitical components of the Kurdistan Region were extracted from relevant theories and prior scholarly works and categorized into four key dimensions: geographical, socio-cultural, governance, and international-strategic. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire and analyzed via one-sample t-tests. The findings indicate that all four dimensions significantly impact bilateral relations, with the geographical and socio-cultural dimensions offering particularly strong opportunities for cooperation. Analytically, while certain threats such as ethnic divergence and regional power competition persist, the research suggests that by reorienting Iran’s policy from a purely security-centric approach toward opportunity-based strategic engagement, bilateral relations could be significantly enhanced—particularly in the areas of border stability, economic development, and regional geopolitical influence. The study concludes with a set of policy recommendations aimed at supporting strategic decision-making at both national and regional levels.

Keywords

Geopolitics

Iraqi Kurdistan Region

Islamic Republic of Iran

Regional Relations

Geopolitical Component

Subjects

• Political Geography

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