This study explores the instruments of public diplomacy and international engagement of the Islamic Republic of Iran following the conceptual evolution of soft power and the rise of "Sharp Power" theory in International Relations. The research achieves this by analyzing the foundations of Iran's external influence within the framework of both theoretical models, as well as examining the efficiency of cultural, communicative, and educational instruments utilized by sovereign nations governed by religious democracy. The findings demonstrate that Iran’s cultural, educational, and media diplomacy—designed to foster regional integration and collective security—transcends passive, conventional models of attraction. Instead, it emphasizes empowering grassroots movements, enlightening public opinion, and establishing a proactive, constructive presence in the international arena. These dynamic and result-oriented characteristics align systematically with the functional criteria of sharp power theory.