West Prefers to See the Missile, not the Satellite
Iran is doing what it should. West prefers to see it as a missile-launch, not a satellite launch and deem it a threat. I think these are all misunderstandings. Interview with Amir Mohebbian, political analyst.
Yesterday, 4th of February, group six held a meeting -the first since Obama started his presidential term- to discuss Iran’s nuclear program. Meanwhile, US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has warned Iran of the consequences it may face if it doesn’t respect UN resolutions. Iranian Diplomacy has interview Amir Mohebbian, political analyst:
West’s concern over Iran’s Omid satellite is similar to their concerns over Iran’s nuclear program. Is there any rationale behind these worries?
Iran is doing what it should, that is, seeking scientific development. West prefers to see it as a missile-launch, not a satellite launch and deem it a threat. I think these are all misunderstandings. If West changes its attitude, moderates its diplomatic approach towards Iran and relinquishes its tough language, then it will become clear that Iran is merely seeking scientific development and there are no other intentions.
Mr. Obama has talked of employing a tough, direct diplomacy towards Iran. However, there are still stipulations preceding diplomacy. Would direct diplomacy be effective with these stipulations?
It would. Obama’s conditions have been met in advance. Obama has said that Iran mustn’t pursue nuclear weapons and Iran has never claimed such. If United States wants to become sure, it should follow the path Bush administration chose.
If Americans want to talk directly and without preconditions, they should make some changes. First is the language they use when speaking to Iran. Then, to gain Iran’s trust, they should show how Obama is different from Bush.
What will in particular gain Iran’s trust?
One part is economic issues. Another is relieving political pressures on Iran, and acknowledging some of their mistakes, like toppling Mosaddeq’s democratic government, supporting Shah’s dictatorship and other mistakes they made after the Iranian revolution.
As you said, "Obama’s conditions have been met in advance". Do you think that Obama knows this and his insistence on fulfillment of these conditions, is a sign of his determination to negotiate with Iran?
I think Mr. Obama wants to negotiate and that’s a reality.
Hillary Clinton has warned Iran of the consequences it may face if it doesn’t respect UN resolutions. What consequences in particular does she mean?
Just the ones they’ve mentioned before. Anyway, I think we should look at Obama, not Clinton. She is not an authority yet.