The Geostrategic Dynamics of West Asia in the Context of Global Actors’ Strategies: Strategic Recommendations for the Islamic Republic of Iran

West Asia, due to its geostrategic position, vast energy resources, vital transit corridors, and ethno-religious diversity, has consistently been a focal point of competition among global powers. This study, employing a descriptive-analytical approach and utilizing the MACTOR technique and actor analysis, investigates the objectives and strategies of the United States, China, Russia, India, and the European Union in the region, as well as their implications for the Islamic Republic of Iran. Data were collected through documentary studies and structured questionnaires administered to 30 experts and postgraduate students in the fields of geopolitics, political science, international relations, and strategic management. Findings reveal that the United States, aiming to maintain hegemony and control over energy resources, pursues a strategy of hard diplomacy and military alliances; China, focusing on the Belt and Road Initiative, seeks to consolidate its long-term geoeconomic influence; Russia, through active military presence and tactical alliances, strives to redefine its geopolitical status; India aims to play a balancing role via energy corridors and economic cooperation; and the European Union adopts a balancing approach by diversifying energy sources. MACTOR matrix analysis indicates that China and Russia share the highest convergence with some of Iran’s regional objectives, whereas the United States and the European Union hold the most divergent positions. Based on these results, the strategic recommendations for Iran include strengthening geoeconomic cooperation with China and India, leveraging the competition among great powers, enhancing multilateral diplomacy, activating transit capacities, and redefining its role in regional security equations. By pursuing a flexible, pragmatic, and smart strategy, Iran can consolidate its influential position in the future power structure of West Asia.