Chapter 3 delves into the drivers of Iranian foreign policy. It provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic preferences of the state, their contestation within Iran and beyond and the main historical dynamics of Iran’s global ambitions. Framed with a musical piece that typifies the state-sanctioned post-revolutionary idea of Iran, the chapter explains why Iran would cooperate with the United States and even Israel and under what circumstances. Revisiting the concept of foreign policy culture, the chapter provides both empirical signposts and novel theoretical concepts for a deeper understanding of Iran’s contemporary role in world affairs.