USA (Washington Insider Magazine) – President Joe Biden has the opportunity to handle one of the most pressing foreign policy issues: mending the harm caused by former President Donald Trump’s departure from the Iran nuclear deal. Rejoining and reviving the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) might improve US and regional security while also charting a peaceful path for the Middle East as Vice President Kamala Harris prepares for future leadership.
One of the worst foreign policy blunders in American history was made by Donald Trump when he decided to pull out of the Iran nuclear agreement, but we now have another opportunity to make amends. Regional attacks were intensified by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and their proxies, while in Iran, the hardline administration of Ebrahim Raisi succeeded that of Hassan Rouhani, leading to increased oppression of civil society.
According to TheHill, President Biden had an early opportunity to restore the JCPOA upon taking office. However, his administration delayed action, leaving the sanctions imposed by Trump in place and even expanding. This hesitation allowed the negotiating window with Rouhani’s government to close, complicating diplomatic efforts with Raisi’s administration.
New Prospects for Diplomacy
Raisi’s death in a helicopter crash and the unexpected election of reform-oriented Masoud Pezeshkian as Iran’s next president has now opened another window for a new agreement to restore some of the most critical components of the JCPOA. Pezeshkian’s support for the original Iran Deal presents Biden with an opportunity to negotiate a new agreement, aiming to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
Reviving diplomacy could yield significant security benefits, contrasting sharply with the failure of Trump’s “maximum pressure” policy. Renewed negotiations could prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear weapons program and reduce its destabilizing regional actions. This approach could also pave the way for broader de-escalation in the Middle East.
Internationally, initiatives like the EU Space Program and various national laws emphasize the importance of cybersecurity and cooperative measures. Domestically, surveys indicate strong American support for a renewed Iran Deal and direct talks with Iran. These sentiments could bolster political support for Biden’s diplomatic efforts.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the potential benefits, there are significant obstacles. The advancements in Iran’s nuclear program since the JCPOA’s collapse mean some original terms are now outdated. Additionally, there is a concern that any deal made by Biden could be undone if Trump returns to office.
Pursuing a renewed agreement with Iran could improve Middle Eastern security and stability and sharpen the options available to American voters in the approaching elections. This is an opportunity for the Biden administration to gain a significant diplomatic victory while promoting a regional de-escalation and peace vision.