Rough road ahead for Iran as new president takes over in US

Ali Rajab

Iranian leaders have inherently welcomed the coming to the presidency in the U.S. by Joe Biden, amid expectations that the Islamic Republic would return to its policy of blackmail in the region.

This policy was put on hold during the four years of Donald Trump’s presidency.

Biden’s administration’s announcement that it would reopen channels of conditional dialogue with Iran just gives credence to these expectations.

The U.S. Department of State Spokesman said U.S. negotiators would work to reach a long-term agreement with Iran, one that contains the Iranian ballistic missiles and the militias that fight on behalf of Tehran in many parts of the region.

He added that U.S. diplomats would consult with their European and Middle Eastern counterparts and with members of the U.S. Congress to make sure that any potential talks with Iran would take their concerns into consideration.

Trump used his presidency of the International Crisis Group to prevent any military showdown between his country and Iran.

The group is expected to play an ever greater role in relations between Washington and Tehran with Biden’s arrival to the presidency in the U.S.

Iran, meanwhile, has hopes that it can make some gains in the coming period, especially when it comes to American sanctions on it and its influence in the region.

Nevertheless, the Islamic Republic will have to present some concessions, including on its nuclear file. This comes as intelligence reports refer to Iran’s ability to manufacture a nuclear bomb within six months.