Trump Optimism in Tehran

Looking back at President Donald J. Trump’s first term in office, Iran ought not rejoice in his return to the White House. Nevertheless, President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and a varied group of political analysts and commentators, with the notable exception of Kayhan newspaper, believe Trump’s transactional approach to politics, along with presidential advisor Elon Musk’s business interests, may offer Iran a way out of its impasse with the United States.  

• November 20: Reformist Etemad columnist Hani Rastegaran presented a positive interpretation of Elon Musk’s November 14 meeting with Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations: 
  • “Why did Trump appoint Musk for such an important mission …? Because the Iran issue needs an impartial person … someone capable of moderating the language of both parties so an agreement can be reached between the two parties … This is the first step in realization of Trump’s election promises … Yes, the Trump administration wants to reach an agreement with Iran – an opportunity that may lead to a great and historical opening and fundamentally change the foreign policies of both countries since the victory of the Islamic Revolution until today … The time has come for Iran to take advantage of this opportunity and move toward a lasting agreement with the United States. This is possible by opening economic corridors and by getting rid of unjust sanctions … In the longer term, this can led to foreign direct investment in Iran’s fundamental industries, such as oil, gas, petrochemicals, and steel … Whether these objectives will be reached or not is still too early to assess, but both parties are showing their determination to reach an agreement”   
• November 20: According to reformist Shargh Daily, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, participating at a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart in Tehran, urged the United States to engage in a policy of “maximum rationality” toward Iran.   

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