A B S T R A C T
Organizing the structure of relations between man and space can reduce the difference between regions, along with sustainable economic development and improvement of social indicators. The purpose of this research is to strategically evaluate the development capabilities of arid regions (Razavi Khorasan, South Khorasan and Semnan provinces) in order to develop these areas. This research, with a descriptive-analytical method, lists the influential factors in the development of the studied areas and By using the SWOT model and the IEA method, the strategic evaluation of the development in the studied areas was done. The results of the SWOT model of Razavi Khorasan province showed that the strong points of this province include its geographical location, especially the gateway of exchanges between Iran and Central Asia and the presence of the holy shrine of Imam Reza (a.s.). The offensive strategy was determined as the best strategy in this province. The results of the SWOT model for South Khorasan province showed that the position of this province in road transportation and the level of security are the strengths of its development. In contrast to factors such as unfavorable climatic conditions, especially the continuation of drought, it is the most important weakness of this province.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
In Iran, the gaps caused by environmental constraints in social and economic sectors are more pronounced in arid regions than the positive aspects of life in those areas. In this context, analyses of the inequalities that have emerged in various countries, including Iran, show that as natural conditions—such as lack of rainfall, soil salinity, and the like—become more severe, the extent of limitations and economic, social, and economic tensions has multiplied. Therefore, in this regard, measures and policies need to be thoroughly scientific and based on an understanding of the environment and the social life of the people.
Khorasan-Razavi and South Khorasan provinces, whose common point is being located in a arid and desert region. Due to the lack of proper planning or neglect, most of these areas are faced with a crisis both in terms of population and security. Therefore, in this research, an attempt has been made to think of strategies to reduce its threats and weaknesses by recognizing the strengths and opportunities in each of these provinces.

Methodology
This research is of applied type and its research method is based on descriptive-analytical. In order to collect the information and data needed in the research process, in addition to using library and documentary studies, a survey method has been used. Specialist experts were gathered. Then using the analytical model (SWOT) including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and then scoring these provinces for strategic development is extracted. In the following, the analyzes performed are used to prepare the internal and external factors evaluation matrix (EAI).

Results and discussion
The findings of this research indicate that despite both Razavi Khorasan and South Khorasan provinces being located in an arid and desert region, their development and spatial planning strategies are significantly different. This difference cannot be attributed solely to environmental factors; rather, the decisive role of human, institutional, geopolitical, and historical factors in this distinction is evident.
In Razavi Khorasan Province, the results of the Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) matrix showed that the privileged geographical position as the gateway for Iran's exchanges with Central Asia (final score: 0.321) and the presence of the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) (score: 0.283) are the most important strengths. In contrast, the intense concentration of activities and services in the city of Mashhad (0.362) and the high unemployment rate in rural areas (0.287) were identified as the most important weaknesses. On the other hand, regarding external factors, the possession of geo-economic and geopolitical capabilities (0.321) and benefiting from the Astan Quds Razavi institution (0.320) constitute the most important opportunities. The total scores of internal factors (1.90) and external factors (2.44) indicate an above-average situation for the province, which allows for the adoption of an offensive strategy (SO). In causal terms, the more an arid province possesses a concentration of symbolic, religious, and transportation infrastructure capital, the greater its ability to transform environmental limitations into development-enhancing opportunities.
In South Khorasan Province, the situation is completely different. The most important strengths include its position on the north-south corridor (0.291) and enjoying an adequate level of security (0.198). However, in contrast, unfavorable climatic conditions and the continuation of drought (0.144) and the outflow of runoff to desert areas (0.134) have emerged as the major weaknesses. In terms of opportunities, the possibility of utilizing clean solar and wind energy (0.268) and the exploitation of the Special Economic Zone of the East of the country (0.192) are of greatest importance. Nevertheless, the total scores of internal factors (2.366) and external factors (2.191) indicate a situation in which threats and weaknesses relatively outweigh opportunities and strengths. This has led to the defensive strategy (WT) being determined as the only logical option. In causal terms, in areas where severe environmental constraints (such as chronic drought) are combined with structural weaknesses (lack of a proper system for exploiting natural resources, unbalanced decentralization), the possibility of adopting offensive or diversification strategies disappears, and one must inevitably focus on vulnerability reduction and crisis management.

Conclusion
The main conclusions of this research are as follows:
Due to its considerable internal strengths and privileged external opportunities, Razavi Khorasan Province has the capability to implement an offensive strategy (SO). This means that the province, by relying on its geopolitical position, religious and institutional capacities, and transportation infrastructure, can marginalize environmental constraints and transform itself into a regional development hub. However, for this strategy to succeed, the detrimental centralization in the city of Mashhad must be curbed, and balanced development across the province's counties must be taken into consideration.
Due to the relative predominance of weaknesses and threats over strengths and opportunities, South Khorasan Province is compelled to adopt a defensive strategy (WT). In this path, the primary priorities are managing environmental crises (especially drought and runoff outflow), preserving the rural population through the creation of sustainable employment, and establishing a sustainable system for the exploitation of natural resources. Only after stabilizing the current situation and reducing vulnerabilities can there be a gradual move toward taking advantage of opportunities such as renewable energies and the special economic zone.
A regional management system based on spatial planning is an urgent and fundamental necessity in both provinces. The absence of such a system remains a serious threat not only in South Khorasan but also in Razavi Khorasan, despite all its advantages.

Funding
There is no funding support.



Authors’ Contribution
All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work.

Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.