The smart use of soft power in the Islamic Republic of Iran’s foreign policy toward GCC countries between 2005 and 2013: Bahrain and Qatar as case studies

Between 2005 and 2013, Iran adapted its use of soft power in the Gulf region in response to tensions over its nuclear program and the Arab Spring. In Bahrain, Iran emphasized ideological and religious influence, focusing on political disenfranchisement and Shiite rights. However, this influence triggered a defensive securitization response from the Bahraini regime, supported by Saudi intervention. Conversely, Iran took a pragmatic approach toward Qatar, fostering political dialogue and economic cooperation over a shared gas field without pursuing identity-based agitation. Moving beyond classical western-centric definitions of soft power, this study demonstrates that Tehran operationalizes a hybrid continuum of influence. Rather than proving merely that outcomes depend on local context, this comparison reveals that Iranian soft power operates as an adaptable and context-dependent framework, shifting between ideologically disruptive penetration and state-centric diplomacy in response to the host regime’s political vulnerability and security architecture.