Q&A
Aaron David Miller, Karim Sadjadpour, Robin Wright
{
"authors": [
"Karim Sadjadpour"
],
"type": "legacyinthemedia",
"centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
"centers": [
"Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center"
],
"collections": [
"Iranian Proliferation"
],
"englishNewsletterAll": "menaTransitions",
"nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
"primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"programAffiliation": "MEP",
"programs": [
"Middle East"
],
"projects": [],
"regions": [
"Middle East",
"Iran"
],
"topics": [
"Foreign Policy",
"Nuclear Policy"
]
}
Source: Getty
In The Media
A Breakthrough in U.S. Relations With Iran?
The Obama administration’s ambitions of reducing America’s role in the Middle East are contingent upon a better relationship with Iran.
Published on Sep 17, 2013
Source: BBC
With Iranian president Hassan Rouhani expressing interest in improving ties with the West and reversing Iran’s economic isolation and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini reiterating his religious opposition to having nuclear weapons, is a potential breakthrough in U.S. relations with Iran possible? Speaking on the BBC, Carnegie’s Karim Sadjadpour argued that it’s clear that the Iranians are floating trial balloons. While Khomeini has been famously inflexible throughout his 24-year term, Sadjadpour said, he recently stated that Iran should be prepared to display “heroic” flexibility, a term uncommon for him. Many people are seeing it as a sign that Iran is preparing its public for some type of a nuclear compromise, Sadjadpour contended.
“The mistrust and ill-will between the two sides has been building for 35 years and it’s not going to be bridged easily but I think that this is the first time in 12 years in which we’ve had a moderate president in Tehran and a moderate president in Washington who’re interested in repairing the relationship,” Sadjadpour explained. While the Obama administration is interested in reducing America’s role in the Middle East, Sadjadpour noted, it will be contingent upon a better relationship with Iran.
About the Author
Karim Sadjadpour
Senior Fellow, Middle East Program
Karim Sadjadpour is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where he focuses on Iran and U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East.
- What’s Keeping the Iranian Regime in Power—for Now
- How Washington and Tehran Are Assessing Their Next StepsQ&A
Aaron David Miller, David Petraeus, Karim Sadjadpour
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
More Work from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- Why Does the Middle East Suffer “Forever Wars”?Commentary
Because perpetual conflict enhances control, offers economic benefits, and allows leaders to ignore popular preferences.
Angie Omar
- How the EU Can Become Energy IndependentCommentary
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a global energy crisis, but Europe is stuck in reaction mode. Without more strategic foresight, the EU will remain dependent on fossil fuels and will never be truly secure.
Milo McBride, Pauline Gerard
- Cities Have a Crucial Role to Play in Advancing Climate Mobility PrioritiesCommentary
Ensuring that cities’ perspectives shape international discussions at this year’s forums is not just equitable; it is likely to produce better outcomes.
Liliana Gamboa, Marissa Jordan
- Deciphering Europe’s Relationship with TurkeyCommentary
Debate is heating up on how Turkey could be integrated into a common European defense framework. Commercial and industrial deals offer a better chance at alignment than sweeping political efforts.
Marc Pierini
- Emerging From the “Zombie State” of Trade Agreements: The India-EU FTACommentary
The India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is shaping up to be one of the most consequential trade negotiations, both economically and strategically. But, what’s in the agreement, what’s missing, and what will determine its success in the years ahead
Vrinda Sahai, Nicolas Köhler-Suzuki
