Iran Mideast Wars
Iran Urges Donald Trump to Alter Policy
Iran has called on the US President-elect Donald Trump to revise the “maximum pressure” strategy he pursued during his first term. The country’s Vice President in charge of strategic affairs, Mohammad Javad Zarif, has stated that Trump needs to reassess past approaches and move away from previously ineffective policies.
Historical Context: Iran-US Relations
Mohammad Javad Zarif, a former foreign minister, played a significant role on the Iranian side in the 2015 nuclear program deal between Tehran and the international community, including the US. However, the agreement was short-lived, as Trump, then serving as US president, withdrew the US from the deal in 2018. The Republican president also reimposed severe sanctions as part of a “maximum pressure” policy against Iran.
Trump’s Middle East Decisions
During his presidency, Donald Trump made a series of decisions regarding US relations with the Middle East. Among the most notable was his order in January 2020 to take down the influential Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Iraq, who was the architect of Iran’s regional influence strategy.
Iran’s Hopes for Future US Relations
In response to Trump’s recent election success, Tehran expressed hope that Trump’s return to the White House would allow for a reconsideration of past mistakes. They hope Trump will alter his policy towards the Islamic Republic. However, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on all strategic decisions, did not comment on the US presidential election.
Trump’s Outlook on Iran
Trump has stated that he does not seek to harm Iran, but instead wants Iranians to thrive. Iran, however, finds itself between the Gaza Strip war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas and the escalating conflict in neighboring Lebanon against Hezbollah. Both movements are financially and militarily backed by Tehran in its fight against Israel, which Iran does not recognize.
