Biden's Iran policy: dialogues, deterrence, and diplomatic implications - opinion

• Published date: 21 April 2024
• Author: SALEM ALKETBI
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

According to recent US reports, an Iranian-American dialog was recently held through the mediation of Oman and focused exclusively on the issue of lifting Western sanctions against Iran. According to the US, the dialog was also about stopping attacks by the Houthi group Ansar Allah in the Red Sea

The media reports need no further confirmation than the extension of the decision to ease sanctions against Iran so that it can benefit from the frozen assets of more than 10 billion dollars, which confirms the unchanged position of the Biden administration, despite the events of recent months and days.

Since taking office, the Biden administration has attempted to engage in a dialog with Iran, hoping to contribute to a breakthrough on other issues. While this approach has led to diplomatic disaster for the US, the White House is sticking to it in the absence of an alternative strategy for dealing with Iran.

The request to Iran to help stop the Houthi attacks, officially confirmed, reveals the failure of the Operation Prosperity Guardian coalition that the US hastily formed to repel the attacks and protect the Red Sea trade corridor.It also confirms the correctness of the position of the countries that did not participate in this coalition, not only because it did not achieve its goal, but also because Washington, as has been its custom in recent years, abandoned its allies and conducted a solitary dialog with Iran without discussing with them or considering the impact of such an approach on their interests and security. The actions of President Biden's administration undoubtedly reinforce Iran's strategic advantages in the Gaza war.

Moreover, it solidifies Iran's role as a regional driver of events, rather than confronting that role and restraining Tehran and its proxies. Moreover, a dialogue with Iran on ending the Houthi attacks is a recognition that legitimizes Tehran's armed relationship with the Houthi terrorists - an American admission of...