In the sphere of second language learning, vocabulary is an indispensable part of the four language skills. This way, the specific purpose of the present study was to examine the relationships between individual differences (aptitude, motivation, and level of proficiency) and Iranian EFL learners' utilization of vocabulary learning strategies. In this regard, after two exclusion phases, 58 participants were selected. The main data collection instruments were: a) Vocabulary Level Test, b) Motivation Questionnaire, c) Vocabulary Learning Strategies Questionnaire, d) Pimsleur Language Aptitude Battery (PLAB), and d) think-aloud protocol. This way, the present study was correlational in nature with a mixedmethods perspective. The results of descriptive and inferential statistics showed that Iranian EFL learners' levels of aptitude, motivation, and proficiency can predict their utilization of a number of strategies. The data obtained from think-aloud protocol substantiated the findings. Moreover, the data showed that participants tend to create context for themselves via the input they received from media.