Abstract
This study examines the dynamics of resistance in Iran’s state identity amid repeated diplomatic failures, focusing on the impact of these failures on Iran-U.S. relations. It explores three pivotal historical attempts at rapprochement: the Lebanon Hostage Crisis, the Afghanistan War, and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Each case demonstrates a cyclical pattern in which initial cooperation led by moderate factions was undermined by U.S. actions, strengthening the hardliner discourse in Iran and escalating tensions. The research highlights the duality of Iran’s foreign policy, driven by ideological commitments to resistance and pragmatic responses to geopolitical challenges. The concept of resistance, rooted in Iran’s quest for self-determination, is analyzed as a defining element of its state identity. Using a comparative case study approach, the research identifies recurring patterns of marginalization of procompliance voices and the reinforcement of resistance paradigms. The findings emphasize the role of failed reconciliation efforts in entrenching resistance as Iran’s dominant state identity, with implications for regional stability and global security. The study concludes that breaking this cycle requires honoring commitments, fostering dialogue, and addressing underlying grievances to create sustainable pathways for de-escalation and cooperation in the Middle East.
