What if the key to Middle East peace lies in one simple piece of advice to a former US President? Iran’s ex-Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif unpacks the recent 12-day conflict, the faltering nuclear deal, and his direct message to Trump. Can diplomacy truly prevail when key players are at odds?
Mohammad Javad Zarif, the former Iranian Foreign Minister and a pivotal figure in Iranian diplomacy, offers a candid assessment of the nation’s standing amidst a turbulent geopolitical landscape. Once the architect of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, Zarif represented a pragmatic faction seeking engagement with the West. However, today’s reality paints a starkly different picture, with the nuclear agreement on the brink, recent devastating conflicts, and a deepening sense of regional instability.
The former top diplomat delves into the repercussions of the intense “12-day war” in June, an event he views as critically detrimental to the prospects of diplomacy. This conflict, which saw Israel and the United States launch strikes against Iranian military and nuclear facilities, created a pervasive narrative within Iran: that negotiations were merely a pretext for aggression. Zarif, while no longer in government, highlights the profound damage inflicted upon the very concept of international dialogue and peaceful resolution.
Further complicating the geopolitical narrative, Zarif describes the attacks as premeditated, targeting not just strategic sites but also innocent civilians, including military leaders in their homes and nuclear scientists. He asserts that such actions constitute war crimes under international law, setting an extremely dangerous precedent for future global conflicts. The destruction of facilities and loss of skilled personnel, he argues, has far-reaching implications beyond immediate military gains.
The conversation also probes the economic strain on Iran, exacerbated by Western sanctions and the country’s support for regional proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. With high unemployment and inflation, the nation’s economy has severely deteriorated. Questions arise regarding the strategic utility of pursuing conflict with Israel or the perception of seeking a nuclear bomb, which seemingly invites retaliatory responses and further international isolation, impacting the Iranian people directly.
Zarif challenges the prevailing Western narrative, particularly the notion that Iran is on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon, dismissing it as “hype” perpetuated by figures like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He argues that Iran is not seeking a bomb and that the policy of “maximum pressure” during the Trump administration, while damaging to Iran’s economy, failed to curb its nuclear capabilities, which, paradoxically, grew significantly during that period. This zero-sum game, he contends, has resulted in suffering for all parties involved.
Turning to European involvement, Zarif criticizes the E3 (Britain, France, and Germany) for contemplating “snapback sanctions” against Iran. He contends that Iran had fully adhered to the JCPOA even after the US withdrawal, while European nations failed to uphold their own commitments. He views the E3’s current stance, especially after their perceived endorsement of Israeli actions, as indicative of “bad faith” and a misuse of the dispute resolution mechanism outlined in the nuclear accord.
Looking to the future, Zarif envisions a paradigm shift for Iran, moving from an approach of perpetual confrontation to one focused on exploiting opportunities. He proposes regional cooperation, such as a 3+3 consortium involving Iran, Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia, which could foster security and prosperity. He stresses the feasibility of putting Iran’s advanced nuclear technology within a peaceful regional framework, assuring its non-military use, provided there is a collective willingness to break from historical failures.
Crucially, Zarif offers direct advice to former President Donald Trump regarding potential future negotiations: “Stop listening to Bibi.” He believes Trump is capable and interested in striking new peace deals but must shed the influence that has historically hindered progress. The former diplomat reflects on the damage done to the credibility of US diplomacy, arguing that confrontational policies only undermine trust and make peaceful resolutions more challenging.
Ultimately, Zarif emphasizes that genuine progress requires a mutual commitment to respect and a departure from the failures of the past. He posits that continued reliance on force and bullying tactics will not make any nation truly “great,” but rather perpetuate cycles of distrust and conflict. For a better future in global relations, he advocates for an approach rooted in mutual respect and a genuine pursuit of diplomatic opportunities.
