November 6, 1986

The war with Iraq and a desperate economic situation have intensified the internal turmoil in Iran, prompting Iranian leaders to rethink some aspects of foreign policy, according to diplomats and experts on Iran. In addition, these experts say that some Iranian leaders may be questioning the wisdom of giving unlimited support to radical Islamic groups abroad, and that a campaign has been stepped up to discredit Ayatollah Hussein Ali Montazeri, the designated successsor to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Iranian spiritual leader. Mr. Montazeri is a passionate promoter of exporting revolution. ''Because of very low reserves in hard currency and gold, the regime is in a tight economic bind,'' said Shahrough Akhavi, professor of government at the University of South Carolina. ''Iran needs arms; it needs to sell its oil, and for these reasons it may be trying to project a better image abroad.''

The Environmental Protection Agencyexpressed alarm today over a new assessment of the dangers posed by lead in drinking water and said it was considering rules to reduce by more than half the amount officially tolerated as safe. The rules are now under consideration by the agency on the basis of requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. They have not yet been formally proposed. The agency, which says the health of millions of Americans is now at risk, expects to make the proposals next year, officials said.

WHETHER you are a suburban or country homeowner battling drafts, or a city dweller recovering from icy streets in an overheated apartment, winter conjures up two contradictory views. One is of a season to be lived through with wet feet and short tempers, the other is of a Currier & Ives vision of pristine snow and snug, welcoming rooms with the family gathered by the fire. We suggest using the 10 possibilities illustrated here, or your own ingenuity, to find the comforts that will increase your well being at home. Sitting by a fire, even if it's fake, serving tea in oversized cups or hibernating under a down comforter on a quiet snowy night are some of the more appealing domestic possibilities of the coming season.

The Economy Trade issues are expected to get priority in the next Congress. The Democrats, who gained control of the Senate, have expressed an interest in stricter trade laws. Corporate representatives, in turn, said that business interests must guard against measures that would invite retaliation from trading partners. [ Page D1. ] Lawmakers in both parties said new trade legislation would probably not be as extreme as campaign oratory might have suggested. They also said the White House now appeared more willing to work with Congress on trade matters. [ A33. ] Ways to sharpen U.S. competitiveness in trade are being studied by the Administration, which is worried that exports have failed to respond to deep cuts in the value of the dollar and the removal of some foreign trade barriers. [ D2. ]

A FRESH spirit is sweeping through the New York spring fashion shows, spurred in part by the emphasis of many designers here and abroad on exaggerated puffed and flared skirts, short enough to have emerged from the 1960's. Reacting to the bouffant miniskirts, Ralph Lauren has developed his own unique brand of glamour showing long graceful skirts. Oscar de la Renta, never a stranger to ruffles and flounces, offers some bouffant dresses that have the extravagance of couture clothes in the 1950's. Then he balances them with some of the simplest, most severe styles he has ever shown. Carolyne Roehm shows she is ready for the big time with a collection that, though spotty, includes many sprightly, wearable clothes. ''I don't believe in trends,'' Ralph Lauren said after his show. ''I don't believe in 'this year's look.' I hope these clothes will be better next year and the year after than they are today. I hope they are both elegant and glamorous.'' It is a refreshing viewpoint and it worked. Almost alone among designers, Mr. Lauren opted for longer skirts, reaching almost to the ankles. Often in black crepe, they are cut with sufficient fullness so they moved gracefully but never look stiff. There was not a petticoat in sight.