Iran, dreams of empire
In just a few years, Iran has gone from being a pariah state, labeled part of George W. Bush's "Axis of Evil," to a major player in the Middle East. It is now directly involved in the conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, strengthening its influence in Lebanon and becoming a key partner for global powers in the fight against ISIS.
On July 14, 2015, in Vienna, Iran made the historic decision to abandon its pursuit of military nuclear capabilities after years of crises and tensions. For the first time since the Islamic Republic's founding in 1979, Iran and the international community reached a significant agreement based on negotiation and dialogue. This accord marked the country's full re-entry onto the world stage—until it was abruptly challenged by the Trump administration.
Type (Documentaire / Documentaire fiction / Série documentaire)DocumentaryGenre en anglaisCurrent Affairs Written and directed byVincent de Cointet EditingSophie Creusot-GuittonCinematographyPierre Maïllis-LavalSoundPierre Maïllis-LavalOriginal score Valentin PortronSupported by CNCBroadcasted by ARTE FranceDistributionARTE France DistributionYear2018Duration52min
Filmed in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the USA, this documentary explores how and why Tehran has employed military means to extend its influence across the Middle East. Through interviews with officials and experts from these countries, we uncover how the Islamic Republic has become one of the dominant players in the new “Great Game” unfolding in the region, redrawing spheres of influence. Is Iran driven by ambitions of conquest—military, political, and economic? Or is it simply doing whatever it takes to secure its borders and protect its regime from the crises that continually shake the region?
To shed light on the story of the Islamic Republic’s resurgence, the film takes us into the chaos of Middle Eastern wars, tracing the threads of the past to distinguish between continuity and change. This is the mysterious tale of a country long isolated and now central but feared. A nation that has renounced nuclear weapons through diplomacy, yet sends its Revolutionary Guards to fight across the Middle East, risking the ire of its sworn enemies: Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Donald Trump’s America.
Press coverage
This meticulously crafted documentary examines the key role that Iran plays today.
La Vie
From Washington to Riyadh, and through the conservative backstage of Iranian politics, Vincent de Cointet's documentary unravels the dynamics of Iran's power politics.
Libération
By presenting numerous archival documents on the country’s military policy, while also showcasing a complex social reality, this film aptly sheds light on contemporary Iran for the viewer.
Le Monde
Through a clever sequence of archival footage and interviews with various political figures and experts, the film provides a nuanced and balanced response.
Télérama
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