TEHRAN(Bazaar) –Shireen Tahmaasb Hunter, a professor of political science at Georgetown University, tells that all those opposed to the JCPOA and an eventual US-Iran reconciliation are happy with Malley’s departure from handling the Iran dossier.
She adds that Malley’s departure has no costs for the Biden administration.
Following is the text of the interview:
Q: What effect will the leave of Robert Malley from the Biden government have on the nuclear talks between the United States and Iran?
A: Robert Malley was one of the few people in the Biden administration who was committed to reaching a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear dossier and also helping resolve Washington’s other problems with Tehran. For this reason, he was the target of attacks by Iran hawks. Although the resolution of the issue of Iran-US nuclear dispute does not depend on a single individual, Malley’s departure indicates that the Iran hawks are getting the upper hand.
Q: It seems that Israel and the extremists in America and some Persian Gulf Arab states in the region opposed to the JCPOA are happy about the leave of Robert Malley. what is your opinion?
A: All those opposed to the JCPOA and an eventual US-Iran reconciliation are happy with Malley’s departure from handling the Iran dossier.
Q: It is said that Robert Malley was looking for a comprehensive agreement with Iran, and with his leave, the comprehensive agreement may be removed from the agenda of the US government. What is your assessment?
A: Reaching a comprehensive agreement between Iran and the US does not depend solely on America. Iran also should be prepared for such a deal. But, because such a comprehensive deal would include Iran’s policies vis a vis Israel, Lebanon, and Syria, it is unlikely that Tehran would be willing to agree to such a deal. Also, there are indications that the US is hoping for some form of political change in Iran and is in no mood to improve the current government’s conditions by reviving the JCPOA or reaching a comprehensive agreement.
Q: America has sent new fighters to the Persian Gulf region. Some argue that this is a sign of increasing tension with Iran. On the other hand, some believe that the greater presence of the United States in the region is due to possible tension as a result of the imposition of missile sanctions against Iran by three European countries (The missile embargo on Iran should be lifted in October according to the JCPOA). what is your opinion?
A: Sending fighter jets to the Persian Gulf is certainly a warning to Iran. It is also to reassure the Gulf Arabs and warn China. As to the lifting of restrictions on Iran’s missile, in October, I doubt that it will happen. For all practical purposes the JCPOA does not exist anymore.
Q: Considering leaving Robert Malley and possible expenses for the Biden administration, to what extent is it possible to reach a limited agreement (Understanding) between Iran and the United States?
A: Malley’s departure has no costs for the Biden administration. As to a limited agreement, it is Iran that needs it most. Tehran has always overestimated its bargaining capacity. Although everything is theoretically possible, I am not optimistic about a limited agreement or even unwritten understanding.
