A Candid Discussion on Iran  Source: Getty Op-Ed Foreign Policy
Association If Iran were properly managed, it has the size,
human capital, and natural resources to be a rising global
power, not just a regional power. But Iran’s leadership has
prioritized fighting the status-quo world order, rather than
trying to rise within it. Related Topics Related Media and Tools
Karim Sadjadpour sat down with Reza Akhlaghi of Foreign Policy
Association to discuss Iran’s conflicting interests and the
country’s upcoming presidential elections.  How would you
describe Iran’s current geopolitical status in the region?  I
think there are three competing paradigms for power and
influence in today’s Middle East: Resistance Islam (led by
Iran), Sectarian/Sunni Islam (led by Saudi Arabia), and Modern
Islam (led by Turkey). Iran’s paradigm resonates most when
popular anger and frustration in the region are directed
primarily at the US and Israel. In this context I would argue
that Iran’s geopolitical status saw its peak in the sum