Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) requires a systematic approach to evaluating and improving study and implementation processes due to institutional complexity, diverse stakeholders, and increasing development pressures. This study aimed to identify the strengths and challenges of ICZM in Iran and selected countries, establish comparative evaluation criteria, prioritize these criteria, and identify the major challenges facing Iran ICZM. The research is applied in purpose and adopts a mixed qualitative–quantitative methodology. In the first stage, authoritative sources on selected countries were reviewed to identify their strengths and challenges. Subsequently, through three rounds of the Delphi method with the participation of experts, seven comparative evaluation criteria were identified and validated. Their relative importance was then determined using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), and Iran’s current status was evaluated based on expert judgments. The results indicated that the Implementation Approach received the highest priority with a weight of 0.252, followed by the Study Approach and Data and Information. In addition, the gap between studies and implementation, the lack of sustainable financial resources, and weak institutional coordination were identified as the major challenges facing ICZM in Iran. The findings further revealed that Iran benefits from a strong foundation of technical and scientific studies, qualified human resources, and valuable experience in preparing national and provincial ICZM plans. However, effective utilization of these capacities requires strengthening institutional and implementation mechanisms, securing sustainable financial resources, establishing a continuous monitoring system, and promoting the active participation of responsible organizations and stakeholders. The findings of this study can provide a basis for evaluating and improving ICZM plans and conducting comparative studies in other countries and coastal regions.