The Islamic Republic has begun talks about improving relations with US President-elect Donald Trump, despite previous years of hostility. The New York Times reports that Iranian officials, including diplomacy advocates, see Trump as a potential opportunity for a long-term deal, despite his “maximum pressure” policy and sanctions that have hit the US hard. Iran’s economy.
Iranian President Masoud Pazkhian, who represents the reformist wing, called for a pragmatic approach and better relations with the United States. He said that in the coming years Iran will strive for a multi-level foreign policy that does not exclude interaction with Trump. It is striking that in March the Iranian Foreign Ministry created a working group to analyze possible negotiation scenarios with the new US administration.
However, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei remains firmly opposed to any negotiations with Trump. Following the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani in 2020, he swore revenge and continues to express his discontent with the possibility of diplomatic dialogue with the United States. Iranian government extremists also criticize the idea of negotiating with Trump, calling it a “betrayal” of Soleimani’s memory.
Reza Salehi, a conservative analyst, said that while negotiations with Trump would be politically difficult, such an approach could benefit Iran. He stressed that Trump would likely want to demonstrate successful diplomacy, ending wars and closing deals. Muhammad Ali Abati, who was previously the president’s reformist vice president, added that Iran could “turn Trump’s threat into a diplomatic opportunity.”
Trump’s foreign policy is expected to focus on ending conflicts, including those involving Iran’s proxy forces in Gaza and Lebanon. In this sense, Iranian experts believe that there may be a possibility of respite for the regime if Trump adheres to an isolationist policy, focusing on the internal affairs of the United States.
The new diplomatic course, according to Iranian politicians, could be an opportunity for Iran to escape the pressure of sanctions, which have greatly undermined the country’s economy.
Kursor previously wrote that the expert assessed future American policy after Trump’s return to the White House.
