The Iranian regime can solve many of its problems and help the nation prosper simply by altering its regional policy. First, the Iranian government’s underlying priority should be shifted from seeking a regional hegemony to focusing on its domestic issues and improving the nation’s economy. It can take a critical lesson from history. Europe was affected by conflict and two world wars, in particular, because some countries’ priority was to dominate other nations. But, in the late 1940s, several nations charted a path toward improving their economies and living standards, and they subsequently became prosperous by concentrating on domestic issues. Similarly, if the Iranian government’s focus turns to domestic issues, the country’s leaders would see no need to influence the politics of other nations in the region. That would mean less interference in the domestic affairs of neighboring countries and less “instigation” of Shiite communities in other nations. In addition, Iran could anchor and prioritize its relationships with other Arab nations based on economic and geopolitical interests, rather than ideological ones. Iran’s leaders then would see no benefit in exporting their revolution to other nations. As Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani proclaimed when he became president in 1989: “Iran needs to stop making enemies.” Furthermore, Iran’s focus would no longer be on supporting, arming and financing Shiite militia groups and proxies across the region. Tehran would see no need to use Syria as a proxy battleground against Israel and the US, and would stop providing military, advisory and financial support to the Houthis and Hezbollah. Such support has added a precarious sectarian language to the region. These sectarian elements are crossing borders and spilling into other countries, including Iraq and Lebanon, bringing greater instability to the region. If militia and terror groups fail to receive financial and weapons support, their power to create unrest and conflict in the region will diminish. This will enhance Middle Eastern stability and security and make the region safer and more prosperous for all nations. Furthermore, by relinquishing their desire to dominate the region and exert influence on Arab nations, the Iranian leaders would have a better chance of addressing the concerns of their neighbors regarding their nuclear program. What benefits might the Iranian government receive by changing its regional policy and becoming a constructive player? To begin with, the country could realize its economic potential as the second-most populous country in the Middle East, with a sizable, educated and savvy middle class, as well as the world’s second and fourth-largest gas and oil reserves, respectively. If the Iranian government’s focus turns to domestic issues, the country’s leaders would see no need to influence the politics of other nations in the region Dr. Majid Rafizadeh If Iran is no longer seen as a threat but, rather, a constructive player, sanctions could be lifted. The US would lift its laws punishing third parties for doing business with Iran. Sanctions on dozens of other industries besides oil and gas, such as metal and gold, could also be lifted. Iran possesses the world’s largest untapped emerging market in the world, worth more than $1 trillion. Opportunities exist in almost every sector and the economy desperately needs new capital. With the easing of sanctions, the country’s global legitimacy would rise and foreign businesses would be permitted to operate there. Iran would re-enter the international community, the international banking and financial systems, and the open market for oil. Countries in the region would increase their trade with Iran and help Tehran reach its economic potential. Iran also would be able to redirect billions of dollars that it is hemorrhaging on militia groups toward creating jobs in the country, raising wages and upgrading its infrastructure. This would reduce the economic frustration felt by many Iranians. One of the underlying reasons for Iran’s recurring protests is the economy, with rampant inflation, high unemployment and low wages. If the Iranian government stands to benefit tremendously by changing its regional behavior, why does it not alter its policies? One of the obstacles is the lack of political will, since the regime is a revolutionary one, led by a supreme leader determined to pursue the ideals of the Islamic Republic. The regime has been restricted by unbending rules and aims that have become more and more incompatible with the standards, rules and laws of the global community. In conclusion, it is in the interests of the Iranian government to change its regional policy and become a constructive player, allowing it to realize its economic potential and prosper financially and politically. • Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian-American political scientist. Twitter: @Dr_Rafizadeh. Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News" point-of-view