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The President’s Inbox

Iran Reacts to Trump’s Victory, With Ray Takeyh (Transition 2025, Episode 8)

Jan 7, 2025
Ray Takeyh, the Hasib J. Sabbagh Senior Fellow for Middle East Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses Iran's reactions to Trump's election. He highlights the complexities of the nuclear negotiations and Iran's precarious geopolitical situation amid economic turmoil. There’s an intriguing analysis of the Trump administration's dual strategy of diplomacy and sanctions, and how previous U.S. negotiations influence current dynamics. Takeyh also reflects on Jimmy Carter's foreign policy legacy regarding Iran, challenging conventional perceptions.
36:55

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Iran's response to Trump's victory reflects a complex mix of disappointment and a newfound willingness to engage in dialogue without preconditions.
  • Geopolitical setbacks and domestic economic crises compel Iran to reassess its strategies and increase focus on internal stability and regional relationships.

Deep dives

Iran's Mixed Reaction to Trump's Victory

The Iranian government's response to Donald Trump's election victory shows a combination of disappointment and opportunism. While there is hesitance among certain factions, there exists a willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States, unlike the previous administration where dialogue was tied to preconditions like rejoining the Iran nuclear deal. Given the diminished relevance of the nuclear agreement, which has largely lapsed, conversations may proceed without such constraints. This shift marks a significant change in Iran's approach, possibly indicating both a desire to lift sanctions and to explore what mutual concessions could be negotiated.

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