Mehwish Mushtaq
After the 2016 Presidential Elections one thing that many people agree would be the Different policies of the current and the previous government. Not just different but a complete U-turn of the Policies by President Trumps administration to that of Former President Obama’s policies. One Issue that recently emerged and is most talked in this era of nuclear Proliferation is Iran s Nuclear Deal or JCPOA, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. A landmark Nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1 Group of the world Powers US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany. The Sanctions which were put on Iran incapacitating its economy have been lifted since 2015 after this deal. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has certified that it has restricted its sensitive nuclear activities. Iran has been firmly saying for a long time that it has the right to nuclear energy – and stresses that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only. The Major criticism of this deal by the Trump Administration is its failure to De-denuclearize Iran which they say was the purpose of the deal and the main agenda of Obama administration, to prevent Iran from obtaining Nuclear weapon. Further criticizing the JCPOA calling this deal a failure and inherently Flawed. If we look at Obamas logic and intention, such a deal was rational, what he meant was to intercept the nuclear realm, even if Iran was hostile US would prefer it to be without Nuclear Weapons and that is exactly what the Deal ensured at that time. The problem arises because this deal does not stop Iran. This was the weakness of the deal and the new administration took advantage of and acted upon it. The United States foreign policy may even change on this point regarding Iran. Comparing Irans behavior with that of North Korea, President Trump wants to get this mess over with before it gets out of hand just like North Korea did. However he must not take any action, which might prove disastrous not just for US but all the other powers involved. I do think that Iran as the emerging regional power and having the choke points for oil Strait of Hormuz and Strait of Malacca can cripple the western economy, holds a very Important position in the eyes of any Logical person. Going against Iran might prove tragic for the US in the future. Trump administration also accuse that Iran is playing the role of a belligerent in the Middle East. And with that we can even link the Saudia factor. Trump Policies despite being strict and racist stance against Muslim have no problem being friends with the Rich Muslims (sarcasm). Meaning US and Saudia Arabia are at quiet good terms. Saudia being a Sunni majority can not see a Shia majority country Iran as the emerging Regional power in Asia. Leading to violent conflicts and clashes, the blame game and the proxy wars.
Making Middle East, the hub of Resources, the battle ground which is not in favor of the west, particularly the US. Saudia Arabia being the friend of the superpower and holding the largest resources of oil is the interest of US, a reason for United states to adopt an aggressive policy towards Iran.
“Iran remains a leading state sponsor of terror, through many platforms and methods,†Tillerson wrote. He said the National Security Council-led inter agency review of the agreement will evaluate whether it “is vital to the national security interests of the United Statesâ€.
Such a statement from the United States secretary of state shows, in my opinion the Securitization of the Issue. Why would a small Islamic state such as Iran would in any way be a threat to United States of America the Superpower of the world. just like Pakistan and India and Israel being the non recognized nuclear power, Iran won’t threaten US, What the secretary of state did is made it a national security Issue of US through the speech Act. However US ally Saudia Arabia has yet been lacking the Nuclear Power and would in any way create Hindrances to it acquiring it. More than that Iran has also been accused of sponsoring terrorism and especially ‘Israel Against’ Agenda, Netanyahu too enjoys having extremely good relations with President Trump, would be another additional Factor.
What Trump needs to do now is take the decision which do not make relations with Iran any further Inauspicious, handle the situation intelligently, so no country would suffer the consequences of aggressiveness. Here the shortsightedness of President Trump might not work. And he must think of the future relations with Iran as an Important emerging Game Player in the international Arena.