Iran and Europe in the Decision-Making Phase

The Islamic Republic of Iran is at the stage of choosing its internal and external friends and constructive interaction with the world according to the Twenty-Year Prospect Document. The post-JCPOA atmosphere has created this “choice” which could be combined with the potential of “Iran’s regional and international role” and introduce more valuable and more influential friends in the world in line with our national interests and security. Among influential international powers which include the US, Europe, Russia, China and Japan, Iran must, at least, establish close and friendly relations with some of them and prevent hostile relations with others. This minimum point should be observed in order to safeguard the national interests and security of the country and gain support for Iran’s regional objectives. Needless to say that pursuing tense and so-called aggressive policies will reunite international powers against our national interests and security. Post-revolution events, particularly what happened during the 9^thand 10^th administrations, has proved this point to us and the history of today’s powers of the world including Japan and China also teach us that when they followed the policy of constructive interaction, they were able to revive themselves in the economic and industrial areas and place themselves among the developed and powerful countries of the world.

Therefore, “choosing friends” is very important for the Islamic Republic of Iran. This idea that Iran could rely only on Russia and China is wrong and very misleading and is, in its nature, against the basic goals of the Revolution, meaning the policy of “neither East nor West”. There is no doubt that an informed and intelligent friendship with both eastern and western blocs which would safeguard Iran’s national interests and security would, in turn, safeguard the goals of the Revolution as well.

Today, and with the visit of Mrs. Mogherini, the EU Foreign Policy Chief, to Iran, we are on the verge of choosing one of our reliable friends and partners among influential international powers. The European Union is also testing Iran as an influential regional power. This choice was previously made between Europe and many countries including Japan, China, Russia, India, Turkey, Arab states, Brazil, South Africa, … For example, for four decades, Turkey has attempted to establish constructive interaction with the EU and enter this union. There have been many ups and downs between Europe and Turkey, and although it has not yet been able to enter this union, it has had many impacts in the political, social, economic and industrial aspects of Europe and vice versa. Due to its relations with the economy and industry of Europe, Turkey’s industry has blossomed and has a high standard of exports.

This was Mrs. Mogherini’s second visit to Iran after signing the JCPOA. Both Iran and Europe must make efforts to strengthen their relations at regional and international levels. Among EU countries, Iran has good relations with Italy, Germany, France and Austria.

It is now the time to establish relations with all 28 European countries. Part of this path was planned in the 7^th and 8^th administrations and the issue of opening an EU office in Tehran, similar to our embassy in the EU, is principally agreed upon. Regarding the crisis in Syria, the EU understands better the positions taken by Iran and is convinced that insisting on the dismissal of the Syrian President will lead to events similar to those in Iraq and Libya. Thus, the fight against terrorism must be more stressed upon than the dismissal of Assad and this decision must be left in the hands of the people of Syria to be shown in a democratic process. The threat which threatens the world and Europe today is the threat of blind radicalism and terrorism which could be overcome by international determination. The Islamic Republic of Iran has proven, in theory and in practice, that it is a reliable partner for Europe.