Iranian lawmaker: US deal could open path to normalisation

Iran’s parliamentary national security committee member Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani has said that any future agreement with the United States could potentially pave the way toward normalising relations, while warning that Tehran may increase pressure in the Strait of Hormuz if sanctions are not lifted.

He said “any deal with the US could be a prelude to normalizing relations," Iran International reports. 

He added that historical examples showed former adversaries had later re-established diplomatic ties, citing Vietnam among them.

“Many countries have fought with the US and later established relations,” he said.

Ardestani also suggested that U.S. President Donald Trump is seeking a political victory through any potential agreement, which could shape the negotiating dynamics.

“Trump has sent a message that he needs to achieve a victory in this deal so that his standing is not weakened,” he said, adding that this could provide Tehran with leverage in strategic chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz.

He reiterated Iran’s position that it will maintain its right to uranium enrichment and expects sanctions relief that would allow it to expand oil exports.

“If sanctions are not lifted, we will resume pressure in the Strait of Hormuz and create leverage,” he said.

By Sabina Mammadli