Analyzing the theories for and against metropolitan development and its application in the regional development of Iran

The situations of metropolises have always been the focus of urban and regional policies due to their different roles and functions. but its advantages and disadvantages have always been ambiguous in the regional dimension. based on this, each society with its geographical requirements in terms of metropolitan development is on its specific path of regional development and faces its specific challenges and obstacles in this path. the purpose of this research is to determine the role and function of iranian metropolises in regional development. the template paradigm in this research is based on critical theory. the method of gathering the data and information needed for the research has been done through documentary studies, questionnaires, and interviews, and the necessary analyzes have been done through the method of metastudy and consensus of opinions. according to the approaches of the critical paradigm, in this research, quantitative and qualitative methods, focused interviews, deep interpretation and understanding of events, investigation of hidden social mechanisms, development of theoretical models of hidden constructions and processes in society and the method of meta-analysis are used to deeply understand the issues. the results of the research show that among the economic functions, the way of income distribution and among the social functions, human aspects, workforce and youth of the population, and among environmental functions, climatic conditions have the greatest impact on regional development. the results of the research, including the analysis of the theories in favor and against the metropolises and the views of other different experts concerning the regional development process, axes, intellectual foundation, topic, and approaches of regional development, should be based on the intermediate point of view and the use of the relative benefits of all points of view based on interaction and intellectual discourse and taking into account spatial, spatial dimensions and territorial justice for all territorial areas (including metropolises, small and medium cities and villages) should be done together. also, in the suggestions section, the type of approach, program, planning, program coverage, program scope, program preparation process, program implementation process, program level, and the role of the planner in the regional development of iran has been presented.