Abstract
The purpose of this research was to better understand the Paris Environmental Treaty and its role in securing Iran's political-economic interests. This research has been carried out using the descriptive-analytical method, in which the nature, why and how of the studied issue (the Paris Environmental Treaty and securing Iran's political-economic interests) will be investigated. The information obtained from this research was obtained using the document-library method, the tools used in this research method are books, articles, websites, and most importantly, the environmental treaty. It has been Paris. The findings of this research have shown that the Treaty of Paris includes a discussion of limiting the use of fossil energy by countries, which is related to the economic power of the countries. For this reason, many countries have announced large nuclear energy development plans as part of their clean energy goals, which will be necessary to achieve the goals related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In this regard, Iran has also taken measures to manage climate change and deal with environmental threats such as desertification, dust, especially fine dust, drought and microbial and radioactive agents, and developing foresight, recognizing the phenomena Environmental emerging and its management, as well as the expansion of the green economy with emphasis on low carbon industry, the use of clean energy, healthy and organic agricultural products, and the management of waste and sewage by taking advantage of economic capacities and capabilities. , social and environmental, reforming the production pattern in various economic and social sectors and optimizing the pattern of water consumption, food sources, materials and energy, especially the promotion of fuel materials compatible with the environment, the development of green and non-fossil public transportation Including electrification and increasing public transportation, especially in big cities, are among the tasks emphasized by the Supreme Leader in the seventh and eighth announced policies, which will be in line with achieving such goals.

INTRODUCTION

Climate change has become one of the most consequential issues in global politics, affecting national security, economic growth, and sustainable development. In response, the international community has enacted numerous environmental agreements, the most comprehensive of which is the Paris Climate Agreement, signed in December 2015. For hydrocarbon-rich countries like Iran, the Paris Agreement presents both an environmental responsibility and a geopolitical dilemma. This paper investigates the impact of the Paris Agreement on Iran’s political and economic interests and evaluates Iran’s approach using the realist theory of international relations. By analyzing the structural constraints and opportunities that shape Iran’s environmental diplomacy, this study sheds light on how international environmental regimes interact with national power, sovereignty, and development imperatives.
 
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
This research utilizes a qualitative, descriptive-analytical methodology to assess the intersection of environmental treaties and international politics. Primary and secondary data were obtained through documentary and library research, including the full text of the Paris Agreement, reports from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), statements by Iranian policymakers, and scholarly publications in political science and environmental studies. The analytical framework is rooted in realist international relations theory, particularly neorealism, which posits that states operate in an anarchic international system where survival, power maximization, and national interest are paramount. Realist theorists such as Kenneth Waltz, Stephen Walt, and John Mearsheimer serve as intellectual anchors in evaluating Iran’s strategic calculations regarding climate commitments.
 
3. RESULTS
The analysis reveals that the Paris Agreement, although non-binding in enforcement, sets soft norms that shape international expectations. While developed countries are expected to take the lead, developing nations like Iran are encouraged to voluntarily contribute to emission reduction. Iran has pledged a 4% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, which may increase to 12% contingent upon the removal of sanctions and the provision of international financial and technological assistance.
From a realist standpoint, Iran’s participation is not driven by moral obligations to combat climate change, but rather by pragmatic considerations: to escape international isolation, attract foreign investment, secure technological cooperation, and boost its image in environmental diplomacy. Furthermore, the Paris Agreement enables Iran to promote natural gas—its most abundant resource—as a transition fuel in the global shift from coal and oil to cleaner energy sources. Iran’s gas reserves position it uniquely to benefit from the global decarbonization trend if it can secure the necessary infrastructure and political stability.
Despite the potential gains, Iran faces multiple constraints. Sanctions have limited access to clean energy technologies and international finance. Moreover, Iran's economic dependence on fossil fuel exports presents a significant structural barrier to decarbonization. Yet, technical assessments suggest that Iran can meet its emission targets by implementing domestic reforms such as improving energy efficiency, reducing gas flaring, modernizing transportation systems, and investing in renewable and nuclear energy sources.
The findings also indicate that Iran’s climate policy is closely aligned with the broader national development agenda and the Supreme Leader’s policy directives, particularly regarding energy conservation, environmental protection, and green economy transition. These domestic priorities support Iran’s engagement with the Paris Agreement, provided it does not compromise strategic autonomy or economic growth.
 

CONCLUSION

The Paris Agreement, when interpreted through the realist lens, offers Iran a dual strategy: on one hand, it enables engagement in global climate governance without conceding hard sovereignty, and on the other, it allows the country to leverage environmental commitments for political and economic gains. Rather than viewing the treaty as a limitation, Iran can approach it as an opportunity to modernize its economy, diversify its energy base, and build diplomatic credibility.
From a strategic viewpoint, participation in the Paris framework could increase Iran’s bargaining power in other international arenas, especially if it ties environmental cooperation to sanctions relief and technology transfer. The realist emphasis on power, interest, and security helps explain why Iran remains cautious yet engaged, prioritizing commitments that align with its national capabilities and interests.
Moreover, in the broader context of international relations, Iran’s involvement in the Paris Agreement reflects the shifting dynamics of global governance, where even non-binding treaties influence state behavior and policy-making. As climate change intensifies, environmental security will increasingly intersect with traditional notions of power and sovereignty. Iran’s proactive yet guarded stance exemplifies how middle powers can navigate these complex terrains by balancing domestic constraints with international expectations.
In summary, Iran’s case demonstrates that environmental treaties like the Paris Agreement do not operate in a vacuum; they intersect with geostrategic realities and national priorities. By engaging with the agreement on its own terms, Iran can mitigate environmental risks, capitalize on economic opportunities, and assert itself as a constructive player in global climate politics. This approach not only enhances Iran’s international legitimacy but also reinforces the realist assertion that national interest remains central, even in addressing global challenges like climate change.