Implications of Trump's Return on US-Iran Relations
The recent victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential elections raises significant concerns regarding the future of US-Iran relations, particularly under the new leadership of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Just three months into his presidency, Pezeshkian had initiated discussions to revive the nuclear deal and navigate a path towards improved negotiations with the West. However, Trump's return is likely to complicate these efforts, reminiscent of his previous administration's approach that led to the US's withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018 and the imposition of stringent sanctions on Iran.
Experts predict that Trump's presidency will embolden Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, allowing him to pursue a more aggressive agenda against Iran and its allies. This includes efforts to weaken groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, potentially leading to increased military actions supported by the US. Professor Javad Hayran Nia noted that Trump's policies could further isolate Iran economically and politically, making negotiations more challenging.
Regional Dynamics and Future Prospects
The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East is expected to shift significantly with Trump's return. Analysts suggest that he will likely reinforce Israel's position and seek to normalize relations between Israel and Arab states while exerting pressure on Iran and its allies, including Hezbollah and the Houthis. International security researcher Arif Dehghandar emphasized that Trump's unpredictable and aggressive policies could lead to a reimplementation of the 'maximum pressure' strategy against Iran, targeting key sectors like oil and petrochemicals.
Despite the challenges presented by Trump's administration, some Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have indicated a willingness to negotiate based on Iran's interests, although they acknowledge that such talks may not be limited to the nuclear issue alone. The outcome of these negotiations will depend on Iran's ability to navigate the renewed sanctions and the broader implications of Trump's foreign policy on regional stability.
