This exploratory research was carried out to identify opportunities and threats of developing web-based distance education in Iranian higher education system using Delphi method. Classification of the opinion of panelists suggested main opportunities as followings: ever-increasing demands for this kind of educational system; alleviating brain drains; possibility of extending the system across the country; balanced and quick distribution of information; extending the international relations by universities; faster feedback system; Also, The most important threatening impediments include the followings: looking at this kind of educational system as a business; poor delivery system; those how disseminate the education are not competent; low relative rate of computer literacy; decreasing the social relations.
