Iran and Arab Nations Shift Strategies in Tehran-Washington Negotiations, Says IRNA CEO
The ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States regarding the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program have taken a new direction, as highlighted by Hossein Jaberi-Ansari, the CEO of IRNA. This shift marks a significant change in the dynamics of diplomacy in the region, particularly in relation to Iran’s Arab neighbors.
In a recent interview with IRNA 24, Jaberi-Ansari discussed the developments following the conclusion of the second round of indirect negotiations held in Italy. He emphasized that the current approach to these negotiations is markedly different from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Key points from Jaberi-Ansari’s remarks include:
- Forward Movement: Jaberi-Ansari noted that both Iran and its Arab neighbors are engaging in a “kind of forward movement” concerning the nuclear negotiations.
- Shifting Perceptions: He pointed out that while Iran viewed the JCPOA as beneficial for the region, neighboring countries held a different perception that led to mistrust.
- Alignment with Israel: Jaberi-Ansari mentioned that some Arab countries aligned themselves with Israel against the JCPOA, using their influence to undermine the agreement.
- Impact of U.S. Withdrawal: He highlighted the role of former U.S. President Donald Trump in withdrawing from the JCPOA in 2018, which further complicated the situation.
Moreover, Jaberi-Ansari explained that the current negotiations reflect a more serious engagement from Iran. He noted that Iranian officials are actively communicating with their Arab counterparts to prevent misunderstandings about Iran’s policies.
He remarked, “Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other countries are learning from the experience of the past few years that if developments move toward conflict, both sides would not be the only ones to suffer; the entire region would definitely be harmed.”
Jaberi-Ansari concluded that Arab countries are now approaching Iran’s nuclear talks with greater maturity. Recent high-level communications between Arab officials and Iranian representatives, including the Saudi defense minister’s visit to Tehran, are indicative of this evolving diplomatic landscape.
