Iran and the US election results
US policy towards Iran depends on the power or weakness of Iranian diplomacy... An interview with Amir Mohebian
The Iranian foreign minister, Manouchehr Mottaki, has said that the US election results would make no difference on Iran because none of the candidates have the courage to change US foreign policy. To elaborate on Mottaki’s comments, we have talked to Amir Mohebian, the political analyst. Here is the interview.
According to Mr. Mottaki, the victory of either democrats or republicans in the US presidential election has not made any difference in post-Islamic revolution Iran. Is it true?
If we consider the behaviors of former US presidents, we would traditionally suppose that the democrats have a subtle policy towards Iran. But surprisingly, the message of friendship has been sent to Iran by the republicans and the message of animosity has been sent via Tabas attack on the democrats’ era.
Naturally, there are differences between the democrats and the republicans, and Iran has the capacity to welcome any US change of policy as an opportunity. But the suspension of Iranian diplomacy and waiting for the new US policy are not logical decisions to make.
I believe that the US system is the main decision maker and individuals can not make huge differences on it, and I believe what Mr.Mottaki said is true. We should take the opportunity and get ready for the any threat. The US policy towards Iran depends on the power or weakness of Iran’s diplomacy and we should be in a position to dictate our desired approach to the US.
In the heat of the discussions on US election, some Iranian conservatives supported Obama and now the Iranian foreign minister states that there is no difference between Obama and Mccain. What is the reason behind this change of approach among the conservatives?
Obama’s slogan is "change" and this can be a good opportunity for Iran. But we-the conservatives- believe that one should not wait for a change in US policy. The conservatives observe Obama’s positions carefully but anyhow the most important thing is what Iranian diplomacy would do.
Do you believe that the US presidential election is the last opportunity to mend the US credibility in the world?
The current US picture in the world is not positive. The new US president should change this picture as soon as possible because the US has lost its credibility due to the deficiencies in George Bush government.
Don’t you think that Barack Obama can change this picture in a better way?
If he sticks to his slogans and be independent against the Zionist lobbies, there would be a chance to do that.
The Jewish Americans are supporting John Mccain. Don’t you think that this would lead to his victory?
It is hard to judge. It should be seen whether the Zionist lobby has the upper hand or the American people.