Link to the Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cze1zpnl1eeo
Recently, Iran-US nuclear talks that were scheduled in Rome have been postponed for the fourth time. Iran stated that the US and Iran made a joint decision to postpone the meeting, but the US said there was no official confirmation to begin with. The US has implemented sanctions on companies affiliated with Iranian oil, part of Trump’s maximum pressure strategy for the country. The US defense officials announced warnings over Iran’s support for the Houthis in Yemen and the US has attacked Houthi targets to combat the shipping attacks in the Red Sea. “Iran says its programme is peaceful and that it has a right to enrichment”, stated BBC. Tehran has scrutinized the US for acting with bad faith and unclear messaging. Trump is still seeking out a new deal to restrict Iran’s influence in the region and to diminish Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Iran wants sanctions to be removed and in return they will limit the enrichment program.
This article is important because it discusses issues like the global implications of Iran’s nuclear program, US foreign policy strategies and diplomacy issues. If the US fails to create a deal with Iran, it could increase the risk of nuclear development and conflict between the two countries. The lasting impacts for the region are there could be a risk of conflict especially because there are already tensions in Yemen and the Red Sea. Iran could face increased economic instability because of the continued sanctions and this could disrupt global energy markets. Iran could respond to this event by continuing diplomacy with the US and pushing for decreased sanctions. They could also take a more forceful approach by increasing nuclear development if diplomacy does not benefit Iran’s national interest. The US could continue to expand sanctions in order to maintain compliance from Iran. The US could also take a more diplomatic approach by pushing for an attainable deal that balances national interests goals and international community goals.
When connecting this article back to class, we can relate these events to realism in international relations. Realism takes the approach of states acting solely for their national interest and emphasizing power and security. The US and Iran are both taking Realist approaches when looking to maximize national security interests and gaining regional power. The US is using military force and sanctions to carry out its national interest concerns and Iran is developing deterrence in its nuclear program to aid its national interest.