Abstract
Cultural diplomacy is an effective process in which the culture of a nation is presented to the outside world and the unique cultural characteristics of nations are promoted at bilateral and multilateral levels. On the one hand, the countries of West Asia are based on a common cultural background based on religion and its teachings, and on the other hand, they have different religious, ethnic, and ideological components in their political and social structures, which has caused the convergence and cultural dialogue of West Asian countries to face difficulties. Based on this fact, the author tries to analyze the situation of Iran's cultural diplomacy as a non-Arab country alongside the Arab countries of the West Asian region. The main research question on the topic described in this article is organized as follows: What is the desirable strategy of the Iranian diplomatic apparatus for cultural dialogue with the Arab countries of West Asia? The research hypothesis states that the desired strategy of the Islamic Republic should emphasize cultural, historical commonalities and good geographical proximity with the Arab countries of the region and, given the strength of media, cultural and artistic productions, it should focus on the growth of cultural and media interactions. Therefore, this research is trying to use library tools to reach the desired answer and has used the SWOT analytical model
Keywords: Iran, Saudi Arabia, Cultural Diplomacy, SWOT, Media Productions.
Introduction
 Among the types of diplomacy, cultural diplomacy is of particular importance. The specific cultural characteristics and characteristics of societies are presented and promoted to other nations and societies in the process of cultural diplomacy. The influence of culture in the field of foreign policy is to such an extent that in the current era, culture is considered as a soft power in foreign policy, which is called cultural diplomacy, which means using cultural tools and mechanisms to introduce and transfer the culture and civilization of one land to another land and culture. In other words, cultural diplomacy seeks to influence the public opinion of other countries by using elements and components such as ideas, values, information, art, language and literature, with the aim of influencing the other side and encouraging them to cooperate through elements such as culture, values and ideas. Politicians of every nation are forced to determine their cultural policies in order to recognize the limits of their identity in the present and future, therefore, today many countries consider the role of cultural diplomacy as part of their overall strategy in designing foreign policy (Khani, 2005: 84). Accordingly, after the victory of the Islamic Revolution, a redoubled effort was made to shape the cultural policy and foreign policy of the revolution based on the components of the ideology of Shiite Islam. Similarly, the identity and culture of Iran were redefined based on the Shiite ideology. One of the most important factors in reducing tensions, conflicts, and creating an atmosphere of friendly relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Arab countries of the West Asian region, especially Saudi Arabia, and realizing foreign policy goals and securing national interests is to promote the level of Iran's cultural relations with the Arab countries of the region and to benefit from active and targeted cultural diplomacy in this important and strategic geographical area. Cultural relations between Iran and the Arab countries of the West Asian region, especially Saudi Arabia, are often subject to political and security conditions, and activating this capacity with the aforementioned commonalities is essential. Accordingly, in the second half of the twentieth century, relatively new approaches were proposed in diplomacy, which recommended greater attention and emphasis on cultural solutions and tools to officials and foreign policy planners. In addition, the coexistence of religious commonalities and ideological and religious conflicts between the countries of the West Asian region, namely Iran and the Arab countries, has made the quality of the diplomacy situation worthy of examination.
Materials & Methods
 The present research method is descriptive-analytical. These studies are typically library and theoretical. Also, since this article seeks to assess the quality of Iran's cultural diplomacy in the Arab countries of West Asia and to present a desirable strategy for Iran's cultural diplomacy apparatus, the SWOT analytical model has been chosen as the data analysis method.
Discussion & Result
 What can always be considered as a main concern for societies is the issue of preserving the similarities and boundaries that determine their relationships. This concern has caused plural identities to strengthen their internal solidarity in an effort to preserve their existence. With this explanation, solidarity is necessary for the preservation and continuation of identities. Cultural identity is the result of the interaction of four main components: language, religion, cultural memory, and cultural capital. Each of these four basic elements has components that together create a common cultural community. A study of sources and texts showed that the Islamic Republic has organized its cultural diplomacy apparatus in accordance with Islamic-Shiite values and the ideals of the Islamic Revolution. On the other hand, Arab societies are those that find identity at the macro level, considering the two components of religion and ethnicity. Therefore, the Arab countries have come under the general heading of Arab-Sunni ethno-religious identity. Meanwhile, some analysts, such as Khodori, consider the definition of Arabism to be based on issues related to Iran and Iranians. However, on the other hand, Islamic religious commonality, considering the history of the acceptance and spread of Islam in Iranian society, has always provided cultural interaction between Iranian and Arab societies, despite the diversity and multiplicity of religious sects, and the common principles and foundations of Islam. Religious commonality, as an opportunity for Iran’s cultural diplomacy apparatus, along with relying on the strength of Iran’s media power, can be a way to formulate a strategic strategy. In SWOT analysis, the strength-opportunity strategy is the best desired situation. In this strategy, while it benefits from reliable capabilities and points of strength, it also enjoys valuable opportunities in its interactive environment and context. Therefore, we must rely on the strength of the media and the growth of the film industry and use the opportunity of similarities in Islamic culture to overcome religious-ethnic-geopolitical challenges with the Arab world and in this way transform the divergent path of the two leading Islamic powers into convergence based on cultural relations. However, considering that Saudi Arabia is a powerful country and the leader of the Arab world, it is better to establish these relations with this country. In this regard, it should be said that Iranian cinema has many things in common with neighboring countries and the region, especially Saudi Arabia, Islamic cinema or cinema based on spirituality and nature, and this common aspect among the Muslim people of the region is an opportunity for extensive exploitation in order to promote our country's cultural diplomacy in the region and, of course, Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion
Based on the findings, cultural diplomacy represents one of the most sustainable and low-cost instruments for reducing tensions and enhancing mutual understanding between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Arab countries of West Asia. The analysis shows that despite political rivalries and ideological differences, shared religious foundations, historical interactions, and cultural affinities provide a viable platform for dialogue and cooperation. By prioritizing media, artistic productions, and people-to-people exchanges, Iran can transform cultural commonalities into strategic assets. A strength–opportunity–oriented approach enables Iran’s diplomatic apparatus to mitigate identity-based conflicts and foster gradual regional convergence through culture-driven engagement.