Easing tensions benefits ...
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In Iran, the new government, which has only been in office for a few months, has welcomed the reduction of tensions with the US and is working to create conditions for lifting sanctions imposed on itself. Both the Iranian government and the new US administration have motives to avoid escalating tensions and explore ways to alleviate or manage them. From this perspective, the meeting between the Iranian envoy to the UN and Musk, representing Trump, could be a precursor to a path for the US and Iran to manage and control tensions, potentially leading to an agreement on outstanding issues.
However, we should not be oblivious to the elephant in the room. While these meetings and statements aimed at reducing tensions and reaching an understanding between the two countries are necessary, they are not sufficient, as there are third-party spoilers that oppose this process. The Israeli lobby is the most well-known opponent of negotiations between Iran and the US, although not the only one. Moreover, the incoming US administration does not appear to be a moderate one.
In the relationship between Iran and the US, there have always been opportunities to either reduce or increase tensions, depending on the will of the two countries to seize opportunities to reduce tensions or create conditions for heightened tensions. Previously, President Masoud Pezeshkian pointed out that Iran and the US inevitably have confrontations in the region and internationally, and it is better for the Iranian side to take charge of managing these confrontations. Pezeshkian’s statement likely implies that the Iranian side wants to engage in direct dialogue with the American side. Trump’s character also lends itself to direct talks.
Therefore, there are motives on both sides, Iran and the US, to reduce tensions, as their interests are better served by doing so. However, this is not the whole story, and there are also opposing forces, both in Iran and the US, as well as third-party spoilers that do not welcome a rapprochement between Tehran and Washington. Nevertheless, there is room for optimism that both sides have learned from past experiences and are preparing for an agreement to reduce tensions. The meeting between Musk and Iravani could be a promising start.