A new analysis of the future relationship between the United States and Iran has emerged amid ongoing regional tensions and conflicts. Muhaned Selum, assistant professor of international politics at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, believes that Tehran is not interested in returning unconditionally to its pre-war position. Rather, the country wants to collect something extra from Washington.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Selum said Washington’s policy has recently shifted from diplomatic routes to war and back to negotiations. According to him, the US now claims that it has achieved some military success and wants to turn that success into a diplomatic achievement. But Iran is taking a stand against that effort.
He said that despite the start of the war by the United States, Washington still has immunity, military offensive capabilities and diplomatic balance. On the other hand, Iran has relatively little opportunity to apply effective pressure. However, their control over the Strait of Hormuz is still considered an important strategic force.
According to Selum, Iran has been in a weaker position than before since the war began in February. He said, survival in war and success in war are not the same thing.
However, after all, Tehran is still giving priority to diplomatic solutions, he said. At the same time, he thinks, Iran does not want to return to a compromise where the previous situation will only be re-established; Rather, they are trying to get additional political or strategic benefits from the United States.
Source: Al Jazeera
