Azad Institution

🎥 U.S. - Iran Relations: Past, Present, and Future 🔶 A Debate Between Foad Izadi and Ray Takeyh Dr. Ray Takeyh is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a scholar of the history of Iran–U.S. relations and U.S. policy toward Iran. Prof. Foad Izadi is a professor of American Studies at the University of Tehran. His work focuses on U.S.–Iran relations and American foreign policy. Ray Takeyh: Since the 1979 Revolution, Iran’s senior leaders have not sought normal relations with the United States. Both Iran and the United States have a history of tense relations that has hindered the establishment of peaceful ties between them. Nevertheless, examples such as the Vietnam War should not be overlooked. Three million Vietnamese and 57,000 Americans were killed, yet the United States and Vietnam ultimately managed to reach an agreement. One of the factors that has consistently prevented a “grand bargain” between Iran and the United States is the Iranian political system’s inability to reach a consensus on this issue at the highest levels of decision-making. Foad Izadi: Negotiations between Iran and the United States have always been conducted with the approval of Iran’s Supreme Leader, yet the history of Iran–U.S. relations shows that the United States has not been seriously interested in improving relations. During the presidency of Hashemi Rafsanjani, an effort was made to develop a mechanism for normalizing relations with the United States. The Iranians decided to invite major American oil companies to invest in Iran and sign contracts with them. However, the Israeli lobby brought about a situation in which not only was the presence of American companies in Iran restricted, but Iranian oil was also sanctioned for the first time. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and stay tuned for new episodes: https://youtu.be/tRx0c-SoE9I 🆔 @Azad_Inst

🎥 U.S. & Iran: Another Round of War? 🔶 A Debate Between Nasser Hadian and Gary Samore Professor Gary Samore is the Professor of the Practice of Politics at Brandeis University, a leading expert on U.S. national security policy. He served in various administrations as White House Coordinator for Arms Control and Weapons of Mass Destruction. He also previously served as President of United Against Nuclear Iran. Professor Nasser Hadian is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Tehran. For decades, his work has focused on Iran-U.S. relations, the strategies of both countries, and Iran’s nuclear program. He is also an important figure in Track II diplomacy and informal dialogue between Iran and the United States. 🔻Nasser Hadian: “I’m optimistic about the future. Of course, the United States violated the MOU, and we have also demonstrated our will and capability to close the Strait of Hormuz. So, they should talk to each other and say, “Let’s stop this.” Iran and the United States can reach a deal. What Trump wants is a 20-year suspension of Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Instead of diluting our stockpile of enriched uranium, let’s give him what he wants. Then he can claim that he has achieved something no other president before him has achieved. But in return, we should ask him for much more. It is not just going to be about sanctions relief.” 🔺Gary Samore: “I’m not optimistic about the future. So far, Iran or at least the factions that control the government has shown little interest in such a compromise. As far as I can tell, the dominant view within the Iranian government is to insist on Iranian control of the Strait, something that is unacceptable to the United States and the other countries involved. The remaining nuclear issues are relatively easy to resolve, but there is not much political will in either Tehran or Washington to resolve them. I think, for now, the cycle of conflict will continue.” Subscribe to our YouTube channel and stay tuned for new episodes: https://youtu.be/084vJPicrT4 🆔 @Azad_Inst