Background and Objective: :The aim of the present study is to elucidate and identify the political drivers and factors influencing the defense diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Methodology: The present study is applied in nature and, in terms of its essence and implementation, is considered a descriptive-exploratory research with a mixed-methods approach. The process of selecting the statistical population was conducted purposefully, and sampling was performed using the census method. The population consists of 35 individuals, including faculty members of armed forces universities and professors and experts in political science and international relations with at least ten years of experience in political, military, and strategic roles. Data collection tools included library studies of scientific and specialized sources, brainstorming techniques, and interviews with expert
Findings: In the initial stage, 38 drivers were identified. After evaluation by the sample community, 16 influential drivers were selected and categorized for inclusion in the interaction analysis matrix and MicMac software.
Conclusion: The research Results indicate that defense diplomacy is influenced by complex and multifaceted factors. Among these, the three key drivers identified as the most significant are mitigating external threats, cooperation with international organizations,and lifting economic sanctions. These findings suggest that the defense diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is not only shaped by military considerations but is also heavily influenced by international political and economic developments.