In this in-depth lecture, Professor Robert G. Rabil unpacks the ideological, historical, and geopolitical roots of Iran's foreign policy, tracing its evolution through sectarian dynamics, regional conflicts, and Western interventions. He explores the enduring Shia-Sunni divide, the strategic role of Iran’s alliances in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, and the consequences of Saudi influence and U.S. involvement. Rabil cautions that military confrontation with Iran would not only escalate into a regional conflict but also compromise U.S. interests in the broader context of great-power competition. His call is clear: diplomacy, not war, is the only viable path forward.