Out with the old, in with the new.
Since former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has lost his office to President-elect Hasan Rouhani, the political landscape of Iran is likely to change drastically.
The recent political shift could have a major effect on Iran’s foreign relations, as the U.S. will likely take the opportunity to engage with the Islamic state.
With a high voter turnout, almost 75 percent, the Iranian people fully expressed their desire for a change in leadership.
The election of Rouhani signals the country’s desire to move away from the radical Ahmadinejad, who served eight years as president.
Although the true political power in Iran rests with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian elections have helped demonstrate the people’s power to choose. For the first time in years, the voice of democracy prevailed.
In spite of being both Chief Justice and Chief Executive, Khamenei typically allows the Presidency to conduct executive decisions for Iran.
The tacit approval of President-elect Rouhani signals a change in Iranian politics that could improve U.S.-Iranian relations.
Over the past few months, many of Iran’s economic problems have dominated the country’s news.
The problems occurred due to economic sanctions placed on Iran by several western powers, effectively limiting the country’s potential to compete and interact in an increasingly globalized economy.
Recognizing that fact, Rouhani has stated that he will “show more transparency for strengthening trust and whenever the trust is tarnished, I will try to rebuild it again.”
Rouhani continued on by saying that his administration will “deliver on its promises in saving the economy, reviving ethics and interacting constructively with the world through a moderate policy.”
“I believe that mutual trust and greater transparency within the framework of international rules and regulations are solutions to put an end to sanctions,” President-elect Rouhani said in a 90-minute press conference in Iran, according to international Iranian news network, PressTV.
Rouhani understands that cooperation with the West is necessary but not at the expense of Iranian sovereignty.
“Firstly, as stipulated in the Algiers Accord, the Americans must state that they will never interfere in Iran’s internal affairs; second, they [must] recognize all the inalienable rights of the Iranian nation, including the nuclear one, and third they [must] abolish unilateral and bullying policies toward Iran, and … when such conditions [are met], the way will be paved [for talks],” Rouhani stated.
So what does all of this mean for the United States?
While the recent Iranian election may signal a change that the U.S. can capitalize on, it is not without caveats that could complicate the situation.
One of the major issues that could prevent future U.S.-Iranian relations is Russia’s military alliance with Iran.
An ally of Iran’s nuclear program — which went online in 2011 — Russia’s latest actions have shown its unwillingness to ease tensions with the U.S.
In most of his statements, Rouhani has made it clear that Iran will continue to develop its relationship with Russia.
Since relations between the U.S. and Russia have been strained as of late, especially regarding the Syrian conflict, the U.S. needs to lead the way.
While the U.S. sits down with Iran, it should also recognize Russia as an important player and respect its stance in global affairs.
With a moderate Iranian president in office, a chance to thaw icy relations between the West and the Middle East will hopefully occur.
The significance of Iran’s recent election cannot be underestimated.
It’s now or never for the U.S. to take charge, as this unique opportunity won’t happen again anytime soon.
Nicolas Rodriguez is a senior political science major and an assistant opinions editor at the Daily 49er.