| Summary/Abstract |
Regional conflicts and interstate tensions squander potentially abundant partnerships that could be built between Iran and its neighbors in the Near East. Tehran's expansionist foreign‐policy agenda in the region means that its bilateral ties often address immediate conflicts or selectively driven interests. Regional states that are codependent for their security on the United States or collectively among themselves, including members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), are less successful in retaining strong bonds with Iran. States capable of developing independent foreign policies, such as Turkey and Israel, condition engagement with Iran on its ability to accommodate their interests. Tehran enjoys influence in countries plagued by conflicts, such as Syria, Lebanon and Iraq, by pursuing high‐risk and costly policies. As a result, a piecemeal approach to addressing immediate needs and threats is the main connection that the regional states have with Tehran.
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