Bilateral Diplomatic Movement with Europe and the USA
Bilateral Diplomatic Movement with Europe and the USA
Majid Takht-Ravanchi, the Political Deputy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, during his visit to Austria, met and discussed with Mr. Olaf Skoog, the new Deputy of the European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief and successor to Enrique Mora.
In this meeting, the parties discussed and exchanged views on a range of topics of mutual interest.
At the forefront of these talks were the latest developments related to the nuclear issue, the process of lifting sanctions, and the future outlook of the negotiations.
Both parties, while assessing the current atmosphere, emphasized the importance of maintaining the diplomatic path and the necessity of continuing constructive engagement.
It was also agreed that consultations and dialogues between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the European Union would continue at various political and expert levels.
Why is Iran negotiating simultaneously with the USA and the European Union?
Analyzing Tehran’s diplomatic behavior in the current situation, alongside the commencement of informal talks with Trump administration officials in Oman, indicates a multi-faceted and complex strategy in the realm of foreign policy.
Iran is clearly pursuing two simultaneous approaches: one aimed at reducing tensions with the United States and the other at strengthening and expanding its relations with the European Union.
Regarding negotiations with American officials, Iran has shown that it is seeking a space for dialogue and interaction through Oman as a neutral mediator.
Informal negotiations in this framework can be perceived as a shrewd diplomatic move.
With this action, Iran is looking for ways to achieve a new agreement, but at the same time, this step is also a way to put pressure on the Trump administration, which adopted tougher stances towards Iran, especially in its second term.
Through this, Iran can simultaneously create a space to reduce economic and political pressures and send messages to American officials indicating that it is still ready to return to diplomacy, provided that sanctions are lifted and the main principles of the JCPOA are respected.
Alongside these efforts, the Islamic Republic of Iran is simultaneously pursuing a de-escalation policy with the European Union.
The visit of Majid Takht-Ravanchi, the Political Deputy of the Iranian Foreign Minister, to Austria and his meeting with Olaf Skoog, the Deputy of the European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief, confirms that Iran wants to strengthen its diplomatic space with Europe, especially in the areas of nuclear issues and lifting sanctions.
Since the unilateral withdrawal of the USA from the JCPOA, the European Union has played the role of mediator, and with this bilateral diplomacy, Iran intends to negotiate independently with its two different fronts of engagement, the USA and Europe.
This approach allows Iran to seriously control its foreign policy space.
While Iran can benefit from negotiations with the USA, on the other hand, it is negotiating with Europeans to secure guarantees on other issues between Tehran and the Green Continent.
In fact, Iran is looking to manage two processes simultaneously, balancing pressure from the USA with smart diplomacy with Europe.
This strategy can reduce economic and political pressures on the Islamic Republic of Iran while strengthening Iran’s position on the international stage.
This complex diplomatic game not only demonstrates Iran’s ability to manage international crises but also indicates Iran’s bargaining power on a global level.
In this process, Iran seeks to create a situation where, on one hand, it is recognized as an independent and serious diplomatic player in nuclear negotiations, and on the other hand, it can effectively achieve its economic and political objectives in dealing with the West.
Ultimately, this approach allows the Islamic Republic of Iran to effectively control its foreign policy space in line with its national interests, despite facing numerous internal and external challenges.
