In 2018, the nuclear agreement that limited Iran's atomic program was canceled in exchange for the lifting of sanctions and the reimposition of restrictive economic measures. These U.S. policies have significantly hit the Iranian economy, creating a situation where the country can barely trade with other nations normally and is excluded from the international financial system. Inflation is around 40 percent, and the local currency, the rial, has suffered a sharp devaluation against the dollar, increasing public discontent with the regime.
Regarding the current stance of the United States towards Iran, President Trump has maintained hardline positions, surrounding himself with figures such as Florida Senator Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz, who have expressed a firm stance regarding countries like China, Russia, Iran, and global terrorism. Additionally, a U.S. Department of Justice accusation against an individual linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard for planning an attack against Trump has been made public, an accusation that Tehran has denied.
On the other hand, Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the need to confront the United States at both the regional and international levels. In a meeting with former foreign ministers, Pezeshkian stated that it is essential to manage this relationship within the framework of the country’s strategy and approaches, calling for tolerance with both friends and enemies.
The more moderate approach in Tehran has urged Pezeshkian to take a pragmatic stance towards relations with the United States, considering the need to avoid past mistakes and adopt a multidimensional and wisdom-based policy. Although Pezeshkian came to power with a message of rapprochement with the West, recent events such as the Gaza war and conflicts with Israel have limited his options, as in Iran, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei wields significant power over foreign policy matters.
