Detente Strategy in Iran's Foreign Policy (1989-2005): Lessons to Future

Foreign policy makers as rational actors try to choose the best strategy for achieving the largest level of benefits due to variables of two domestic and foreign areas. Detenteis one of the rational strategies in foreign policy that has been main guideline in Iran’s foreign policy during 1989 to 2005. This paper tries to answer these questions by thedescriptive-analytical method and use of document what are the similaries and differences between detente strategy in Hashemi Rafsanjani and Khatami governments. Research findings show that both governments were similar in triple policies of detente strategy (peaceful coexistence, making trust and diplomacy) but were different in implementation tools some of these policies. Experiences of the two governments show that detente strategy could be defeated by external variables. These experiences are important lessons for the future government that will choose detente strategy. These experiences somewhat can guarantee future success of the strategy.