In the Shadow of Mistrust: The Geopolitics and Diplomacy of US–Iran Relations

The Obama presidency marked a rare high point in the Washington-Tehran relationship, as negotiations between the two countries and other powers produced an unprecedented nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. However, the Trump administration’s unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA, and re-imposition of new sanctions in pursuit of ‘maximum pressure’, had devastating economic consequences, undermining the Iranian middle class, which has consistently been the voice of political moderation and supported Iran’s integration into the global economy. Crucially, sanctions have also driven Iran further into the arms of China, while rendering it an even more recalcitrant and aggressive adversary.

Monshipouri’s central conviction is that negotiations are pivotal to dismantling the mistrust that has long characterised US-Iranian relations, and to seeking détente between Iran and its Arab neighbours–a critical priority, since gradual US withdrawal from the region is all but certain.