Interview

"The US continues to use the 'threat-negotiate' tactic towards Iran." Gandaharian

Radar Armenia's interlocutor is international affairs expert Shahan Gandaharian.

- The US President signed a decree and announced that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. How do you interpret Trump's steps and statement?

- The second part of the US President's decree speaks of cooperation with Iran and envisions Iran as a powerful and prosperous state. A nuclear agreement is proposed with Iran. In this context, the axis of the "prohibit-support" message should be considered. Or to decide on new sanctions and talk about a new nuclear agreement, which are different links to the repressive policy.

- At the same time, the US is ready for dialogue with the Iranian authorities. Can the issue be resolved through negotiations, or should we expect tension in US-Iranian relations?

- "Negotiating-threatening" seems to have turned into traditional behavior. It is Trump's style, but it is different. In essence, the same policy continues. In addition to the ups and downs of US foreign policy towards Israel, various statements regarding dealing with Iran will be recorded.

- Let's also look at the statements of the US President regarding the Palestinian-Israeli problem and his plans for the Gaza Strip. How would you interpret this? Will the US undertake to solve the problem in that direction?

- It is unlikely that the plans outlined in the statements will be implemented. The collective mass return of the people of Gaza on the very day of the ceasefire suggests a different direction. Attractive projects will not be able to de-Palestine Gaza. Here, we can see the will and determination to remain stuck to the ground. Another issue is that the prerequisites for a change in the status of the government are visible: an obvious process is underway in that direction. A new Ramallah-Gaza joint governing body may be formed. In any case, the Palestinian people will remain there.

- What developments will occur in US-Panama relations? Can the depth of the contradictions turn into military actions?

- The economic and political message is addressed to China. The issue is the demand to reduce the duties levied by Panama. The new US administration is considering budget cuts in various directions. Still, this one, I think, is related to the context of the economic war being registered in the US-China relationship.

Hayk Magoyan