Nournews: Hassan Beheshti-Pour, an expert in international affairs, said in an exclusive interview with Nournews that the European justification for issuing a resolution against Iran was Tehran’s failure to address three questions raised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). However, the Islamic Republic of Iran has provided explanations for these ambiguities multiple times, but the IAEA has deemed them unconvincing.
He added that the agreement reached between Iran and Rafael Grossi, the IAEA director-general, could have served as a good opportunity to resolve these disputes. However, European nations appear to have reevaluated their relations with Tehran following claims that Iran supplied missiles to Russia for use in the conflict with Ukraine.
Beheshti-Pour noted that Europe perceives Ukraine war as a direct threat to its security, and the technical issues between Iran and the IAEA are being used merely as a pretext. “The main reason behind the hostility of the European Union toward Iran is the claim that Iran provided missiles to Russia,” he said.
He also cited Iran-Israel military conflicts as another factor exacerbating tensions between Iran and Europe. “Following direct military clashes between Iran and Israel, pro-Israel lobbyists in Germany, France, and the UK—who are highly influential—have increased pressure on these countries to adopt harsher stances toward Iran.”
Beheshti-Pour mentioned the looming expiration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in October, after which Iran’s nuclear case will no longer be under the IAEA’s purview. This, he suggested, is another reason for heightened tensions between Iran and Europe.
He further remarked that Europe is compiling a case against Iran. “Since the JCPOA, four resolutions have been issued by the Board of Governors against Iran’s nuclear activities. Each resolution is legally significant and could activate the trigger mechanism before next October.”
According to Beheshti-Pour, Europe’s strategy is to portray Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA as inadequate and activate the trigger mechanism. He claimed that the relationship between Iran and Europe is currently at its lowest point in history, marked by unprecedented levels of conflict.
Despite these challenges, Beheshti-Pour expressed hope for diplomacy. “Negotiations under the current conditions are difficult but not impossible. Diplomacy never reaches a dead end, and many paths remain open if approaches are adjusted,” he said.
He suggested three key actions for Iran to take in the current situation:
Economic Reforms: The government must prioritize economic reforms and fulfill commitments neglected by previous administrations to mitigate the economic damage caused by sanctions.
Enhanced Nuclear Capabilities: Iran should continue to expand its nuclear capabilities, as initiated by top officials following the issuance of the resolution.
Public Opinion Management: The government and foreign ministry must bolster their media capabilities to effectively persuade public opinion domestically and internationally.
Beheshti-Pour concluded that Europe will not return to the negotiation table without a clear and well-defined plan from Iran for engaging with the United States. As the current U.S. administration is in transition, Iran needs a clear agenda for negotiations that is supported by all domestic parties and groups. Strong and direct talks with the United States, he emphasized, would likely draw Europe back to the negotiation table as well.
NOURNEWS