Iran not a ‘permanent enemy’

A discussion on the strategic challenges posed by Iran was held before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. According to Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-Del.), engaging and sanctioning should ‘go hand in hand’ when dealing with Iran.

Biden said that most Iraqi leaders want to have good relations with Iran especially since Iran’s influence in Iraq has increased over the years. He also felt that Iranians need to be made aware of how their government is isolating them from the rest of the world and misrepresenting America. In an opening statement by Ranking Minority Member Senator Dick Lugar (R-Ind.), Iran’s leaders have rebuffed the international community’s proposition to negotiate a tolerable arrangement for their nuclear program.

Witness William J. Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, gave his testimony before the committee and also brought up Iran’s vulnerabilities. Burns pointed out that Iran has few allies, such as Cuba and Belarus, that could offer strategic reassurance and most of its neighbors keep wary relations. Furthermore, Burns said that Iran’s nuclear goals make them less secure, not more so. According to Burns, the European Union has started sanctions on Iran and a significant number of financial institutions have cut off Iran.

Despite the current impression of Iran, Burns said that Iran’s population, two thirds of which are under 30 years of age, wants to move towards modernity and better relations with the international community by way of expanded trade and economic development. Burns quoted Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice by saying that America has ‘no permanent enemies’ and would work with Iran if they were willing to ‘change their ways.’