Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently made a statement expressing the country’s skepticism towards the United States and its intentions in the renewed nuclear negotiations. In light of this, it is important to understand the reasons behind Iran’s lack of trust in Washington and the implications it may have on the negotiations.
Araghchi’s statement came after the US expressed its willingness to rejoin the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The deal, which aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, was abandoned by the US in 2018 under the Trump administration. This move was met with strong opposition from Iran, who saw it as a violation of the agreement and a breach of trust.
Now, with the Biden administration’s promise to rejoin the JCPOA, Iran remains cautious and doubtful of the US’s sincerity. Araghchi questioned whether the US is truly committed to the negotiations or if it is just using it as a political tool. This sentiment is not unfounded, as Iran has faced numerous broken promises and betrayals from the US in the past.
One of the main reasons for Iran’s mistrust towards the US is its history of interference in the country’s affairs. The US has a long-standing history of meddling in Iran’s internal politics, including the 1953 coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. This has created a deep-rooted suspicion towards the US and its intentions.
Furthermore, the US’s unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA and its imposition of harsh sanctions on Iran have only worsened the already strained relationship between the two countries. The sanctions have had a devastating impact on Iran’s economy, causing inflation and hindering its ability to trade with other countries. This has led to a sense of betrayal and resentment towards the US, making it difficult for Iran to trust any promises made by Washington.
In addition to this, the US’s support for Israel and Saudi Arabia, two of Iran’s main adversaries in the region, has also contributed to the lack of trust. Iran sees the US’s close alliance with these countries as a threat to its security and regional influence. The US’s involvement in conflicts in the Middle East, such as the war in Yemen, has also fueled Iran’s suspicion towards the US.
Given this history and current state of affairs, it is understandable why Iran has little trust in Washington. However, it is important to note that the JCPOA was a multilateral agreement, with other countries such as China, Russia, and European powers involved. Therefore, the US’s decision to withdraw from the deal does not reflect the views of all parties involved. This is something that the US needs to acknowledge and address in the renewed negotiations.
It is also crucial for the US to show its sincerity and commitment to the negotiations by taking concrete steps to lift the sanctions and fulfill its obligations under the JCPOA. This would not only build trust with Iran but also demonstrate to the international community that the US is serious about its diplomatic efforts.
In conclusion, Iran’s skepticism towards the US in the renewed nuclear negotiations is understandable given the history of mistrust and broken promises. However, it is important for both parties to approach the negotiations with an open mind and a genuine desire to find a peaceful resolution. The US must acknowledge and address Iran’s concerns and work towards rebuilding trust in order to achieve a successful outcome. Only through mutual respect and cooperation can the two countries move forward and pave the way for a more stable and peaceful future.
