However, the more important reality is that the Islamic Republic is not a major player in the US election and is not considered a major issue. American society is more concerned with economic issues, welfare, immigration, and other domestic concerns.
In US national security documents, China is considered a potential threat, while Russia is seen as an actual threat. Therefore, whichever candidate becomes president, they will likely focus on managing or containing China and try to eliminate or weaken Russia’s influence in international relations.
Notably, the US uses its national security documents, think tanks, and media to create a narrative around certain issues. For example, there has been talk of an “anti-American axis” comprising China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. While this axis does not exist in reality, the US deliberately highlights such narratives to serve its interests.
Iran occupies a unique geopolitical position, with rich resources, particularly in the energy sector. It has a diverse society and is a key player in West Asia, and it is also an archenemy of the Israeli regime. The country has faced accusations of terrorism and human rights abuses from Western countries. As a result, Iran is a complex issue with various dimensions, and American policymakers may adopt different policies toward Iran depending on the importance they assign to each of these aspects. Therefore, the nature of the relationship between the US and Iran will be defined by the next US president’s stance on issues like Israel, energy resources, human rights, terrorism, and developments in West Asia.