Iran's Role

Iran’s role in the concept of the caliphate is both complex and deeply intertwined with its geopolitical ambitions and ideological framework. While Iran is a Shiite-majority country and the traditional caliphate model has been Sunni in nature, Iran’s leadership has long pursued a vision of Islamic governance that aligns with the broader goals of establishing an Islamic state, often positioning itself as a key player in the effort to bring about a global caliphate. Under the leadership of the Islamic Republic, Iran has sought to create a model of governance that can serve as an example for other Muslim-majority countries, promoting a Shiite-centric vision of Islamic governance and, in some cases, attempting to position itself as the de facto leader of the broader Islamic world.

Iran’s Leadership and the Vision of Islamic Governance

Iran's leadership, particularly under the guidance of the Supreme Leader and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), views the establishment of an Islamic state governed by Sharia law as a central goal. This vision of Islamic governance is distinct from the traditional Sunni interpretations of the caliphate, yet it shares a fundamental commitment to the idea of an Islamic state and the eventual rule of Islamic law. The Iranian government, since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has positioned itself as the leader of a broader global movement aimed at advancing Islamic principles, which it believes should culminate in the establishment of a unified Muslim state, or caliphate, under Shia Islam.

The concept of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), which places ultimate political and religious authority in the hands of a supreme religious leader (the Wali al-Faqih), is a cornerstone of Iran’s governance. Iran’s leadership has expressed its ambition not just to maintain its own political and religious authority but also to expand its influence across the Muslim world, particularly among Shiite communities. From this perspective, Iran sees itself as the natural leader of a global Islamic order, and its leaders have spoken about the need to create a united Islamic front that spans across Sunni and Shia denominations, with Iran at its helm.

The Goal of Leadership in the Caliphate from Iran

Iran's leadership has expressed its desire to play a central role in a global caliphate—albeit one that is specifically rooted in Shia Islam. This ambition is not necessarily for the creation of a caliphate in the traditional Sunni sense, but rather for an Islamic state led by Iran, where the ideals of Islamic governance, as defined by Iran’s interpretation of Shia Islam, would guide the political and social structure of the broader Muslim world. The leadership in Tehran envisions that Iran could lead a coalition of Muslim-majority nations that embrace this vision of governance, effectively uniting the Muslim world under a shared religious-political framework.

In this vision, Iran would wield significant power and influence, serving as the center of a global Islamic order that could potentially rival the influence of Western powers. The ultimate goal for the Iranian leadership is to create a model of governance in Iran that could be replicated in other regions, where the principles of Shia Islam and Iranian-style political structures would form the foundation of the new caliphate.

This vision is not solely about military conquest; it also involves ideological and cultural influence. Through political alliances, religious outreach, and support for proxy groups, Iran has sought to expand its influence across the Middle East, particularly in countries with significant Shiite populations, such as Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Bahrain. The Iranian leadership has used its resources to support these groups in the hope that they will eventually help to create a broader Shiite-dominated Islamic governance structure, with Iran as the center.

Iran’s Support for Proxy Groups and Shia Militias

One of the key methods Iran has used to extend its influence and work toward its goal of a Shiite-led caliphate is through support for proxy groups and Shia militias throughout the Middle East. Iran’s support for groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen reflects its commitment to building a network of allies who can help advance its regional goals. These groups often fight to protect Iranian interests and promote an ideological agenda that aligns with the Iranian vision of Islamic governance.

Iran’s involvement in Syria, where it has supported the Assad regime in a brutal civil war, further illustrates this strategy. Iran has sought to establish a strategic corridor of influence stretching from Tehran through Baghdad and Damascus to Beirut, ensuring that it has strong influence over the Levant, where many Shiite communities reside. This “land bridge” is seen as critical to Iran’s broader ambition of creating a Shia-dominated region that could serve as the foundation for a global caliphate under Iran’s leadership.

Iran’s Vision for a Global Shia Caliphate

While the traditional Sunni caliphate has long been seen as the model for Islamic governance, Iran’s vision diverges in that it aims to create a Shia-centered version of this ideal. For Iran, the caliphate is not simply a political entity but also a spiritual one, in which the principles of Shia Islam—including the leadership of the Wali al-Faqih—would govern all aspects of life. Iran has consistently pushed for the idea that the Islamic world should unite under one leader, with Iran at its center.

For Iran’s leadership, this project goes beyond just political ambitions. It is also seen as a religious duty to unite the Muslim world under Shia principles and bring about the return of the Mahdi, the prophesied redeemer in Shia Islam. This belief in the Mahdi’s eventual return, along with the idea of establishing a just Islamic government that serves as a model for the world, is a powerful motivator for Iran’s leadership.