The main purpose of this research is to develop and weight indicators for ranking countries targeted by Iran’s cultural diplomacy. The central issue addressed is the lack of indigenous and codified criteria for prioritizing countries, despite limited resources and the broad scope of international cultural needs. This underscores the importance of optimizing resource allocation and maximizing the impact of soft power to advance national interests. The research employs a qualitative approach using thematic analysis; data were collected through document analysis, review of statements by the Supreme Leader, and semi-structured interviews with 16 elites, cultural counselors, and international affairs professionals. Key findings reveal the extraction of 23 overarching themes (criteria) categorized into four identity layers based on frequency. The most important of these include: “The Islamic World and Muslims,” “Neighboring and Peripheral Countries,” “History of Cultural-Civilizational Commonalities,” and “Countries with Influence in International Organizations.” The research concludes that ranking countries based on these weighted criteria will enable more scientific decision-making and a fairer distribution of resources for those responsible for cultural diplomacy. Finally, recommendations are offered, such as analyzing the impact of Iranian media in priority countries, evaluating the effectiveness of foreign broadcasting, and developing comparative models of cultural diplomacy with competitors.