Iranian MP dismisses hopes for improved US ties, says Trump lacks new leverage

Ebrahim Rezaei, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, has downplayed any hopes of improved relations between Iran and the United States following Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election.

Rezaei pointed to the significant influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups in Washington as a key obstacle to any meaningful diplomatic progress, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

“We have not seen much rationality in the actions of the Americans over the years, as they are heavily influenced by Israeli interests,” Rezaei stated.

“We do not harbour optimism about negotiations or reducing tensions with the US at this time.”

He noted that while many believed Trump’s election represented a serious threat to Tehran, there was no notable shift in US-Iran relations during President Joe Biden’s tenure either.

The MP argued that Trump no longer has any new leverage over Iran, given the extensive sanctions already imposed on the country. “All kinds of sanctions have been applied. The US must change its approach if it hopes for a different outcome. Otherwise, a “Trump 2.0” administration would be no different from Biden’s,” the Iranian parliamentarian emphasized.

Earlier, CNN reported that Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election could pose the most significant challenge to Iran since its founding in 1979. According to The Wall Street Journal, if Trump returns to the White House, he is expected to resume a policy of exerting pressure on Iran.

By Vafa Guliyeva