Between idealism and pragmatism: Iran's approach towards the Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2022

This article explores the policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards the war in Ukraine, which began with the full-scale invasion by Russian forces on 24 February 2022. Whilst Iran publicly emphasises non-involvement in geopolitical rivalries and supports values such as self-determination and resistance to oppression, its stance on the Ukraine conflict contradicts these ideals. Instead of supporting Ukraine, Iran has aligned itself with Russia, a position that raises questions about the underlying motivations of its foreign policy. Through an analysis of Iran's relationship with both Ukraine and Russia, the paper argues that Iran's foreign policy is driven by political pragmatism rather than ideological, or religious dogma. This study contributes to broader discussions in international relations, suggesting that Iran operates more in line with realist principles, where national interest and political expediency outweigh ideological commitments.