Throughout his career, Amirabdollahian was a strong advocate for the “axis of resistance,” a coalition of states and groups opposing Israel. He maintained close relationships with influential figures such as Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who was assassinated in a US drone strike in 2020, and Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. These relationships highlighted his commitment to Iran’s regional alliances and opposition to Western influence and Israel.With Raisi’s victory in the 2021 presidential election, Amirabdollahian’s appointment as Foreign Minister marked a significant shift in Iran’s diplomatic focus. The administration moved away from prioritizing negotiations with the West, particularly the US, after the latter’s withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, towards strengthening regional ties.