Iran’s core decision-making bodies should adopt a policy of détente toward other countries if they want to end a deadlock that has added to the woes of sanctions and foreign pressure, a former diplomat said.
“Iran has to pursue the path of détente by devising a new strategy toward its neighbors, the region and the international system to prevent the formation of a regional and global coalition against itself and take the pretext away from the United States and other oppressive powers,” Afshar Soleimani, an expert on Middle East affairs, wrote in an article published recently by the Iranian Diplomacy website.
He maintains that Iran’s agreement with world powers over its nuclear program in 2015—officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action—signified a “strategic shift” toward a less confrontational global approach and acceptance of “rules of the game”.
“Such a shift was the result of Iranian policy and decision-makers’ [proper] assessment and appreciation of domestic opportunities and international limitations,” the analyst added.
Pragmatism
Soleimani said the same “pragmatic attitude” should be displayed now that the country’s economic fundamentals are deteriorating under the impact of sanctions.
"A change of policy is needed if Iranian authorities do not want the country and the people to pay a heavier price and want “comprehensive, balanced and steady” progress in all fields," he added.
The former ambassador to Azerbaijan argues that Iran would be better off if it acts to tackle other bones of contention with world powers as the nuclear accord has benefited the country, albeit in a limited fashion.
“Iran has to pursue the path of détente by devising a new strategy toward its neighbors, the region and the international system to prevent the formation of a regional and global coalition against itself”
He was referring to Tehran’s disputes with the West over a range of non-nuclear issues, such as its regional policies and missile activities.
Soleimani noted that implementing standards set by the Financial Action Task Force—a Paris-based inter-governmental organization that underpins countries combating money laundering and terrorist financing—can also help Iran integrate into the international community.
Era of Interdependence
This does not mean that we should not stand up to the bullying of USA or other powers, and should give into their excessive demands, the expert said.
"Rather, it means that we should serve the country’s interests and refuse to become a tool in the hands of world powers through reliance on elements of national power and an active diplomacy in the era of interdependence," he said.
Iranian authorities can even gain concessions from the US by conditioning them on various important regional and global matters, such as energy-related issues, the article read.
Soleimani added that the country’s officials should wake up to the reality that Europe, Russia, China and India—who Iran has resorted to in order to offset the effects of the US exit from the nuclear deal and its reimposition of sanctions—cannot resist US pressure.
“Instead of allowing the country to become weaker and people’s livelihood to suffer further, Iran should try to make compromises with even unreliable actors, of whom it has a bitter historical memory in mind,” he said.
"Iran should correctly identify the threats and opportunities, and create an environment in which people can freely express their views."
