Iran, West bent on interaction, easing tensions
By Mohammad Bayat
International affairs expert
The shift in Iran’s government will undoubtedly shake up approaches in policy-making contrary to certain claims. In the realm of foreign policy, we witness a blend of fixed principles and flexible strategies, a dynamic that plays out worldwide. Take the United States for instance; no matter which party holds the reins, backing Israel remains a constant tune. However, the approach to addressing conflicts, like the war in Ukraine, is subject to variation.
The same situation also exists in Iran. The newly elected president has consistently emphasized the Islamic Republic’s unwavering stance on issues like supporting the Axis of Resistance. Simultaneously, there are areas where change is afoot, such as reexamining ties with the West.
Iran’s new foreign minister has put fostering and fortifying relations with neighbors and key players like China and Russia high on his agenda. Regarding the West, he has expressed a commitment to managing tensions. It looks like finding common ground with Europe and the US is a priority for Iran’s new administration. Along this path, however, lie files that need closing, including allegations of Iran’s support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict, the nuclear dossier, and the strategic rivalry between China and the US. Tehran must tackle these challenges and skillfully extract more concessions from its counterparts.
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