Mehran Haghirian

🇮🇷 مهران حقيريان 🇮🇷

Master’s Thesis:

Effectuating A Cooperative Future Between Iran and the Arab States of the Persian Gulf

There are multiple paths for constructive cooperation between Iran and the Arab states ofthe Persian Gulf that can reshape the current contentious relations. Because of numerous mutual concerns, shared historic, religious, and cultural ties, as well as the importance of trade, Iran and the neighboring Arab countries must surmount the costly, zero-sum political frictions of today and envision a cooperative future that ensures the peace and security of the Persian Gulf. This thesis aims to present viable pathways for constructive cooperation between Iran and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf through analysis of the Islamic Republic’s foreign policy objectives and determinants, differentiating and analyzing identified grievances and positive factors in bilateral relations between Iran and the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the consequences of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the geopolitics of the region.

Why Iran and the United States Should Negotiate

Instead of deriding moderates in Iran as “unicorns,” the Trump administration should take advantage of the most competent foreign policy team in the Islamic Republic’s history. Both Iran and the United States have missed multiple opportunities for dialogue and détente in the past thirty-nine years and allowing another opportunity to pass would be a loss not only for Iran and the US, but for the international community. Rouhani and Trump will attend the 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York and are scheduled to give their speeches on Sept. 25. Not only Iranians and Americans, but the entire international community, should encourage, mediate and set the stage for the two leaders to initiate a constructive dialogue that leads to fruitful negotiations. ... atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/iransource/why-iran-and-the-united-states-should-negotiate

Mehran Haghirian / Atlantic Council

The Iran Deal Without America

In the aftermath of the US announcement that it was quitting the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the other signatories are struggling to convince Iran to remain within the agreement. European officials have been particularly outspoken, reflecting anger at a potentially fatal blow to a signature diplomatic achievement that touches their core security concerns. Donald Tusk, the president of the European Council, addressed the press before the start of a European Union summit in Sofia, Bulgaria, by saying, “We are witnessing today a new phenomenon: the capricious assertiveness of the American administration…. [President Donald Trump] has made us realize that if you need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of your arm.” ... atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/iransource/the-iran-deal-without-america

Mehran Haghirian

A Way Forward for the Iran Deal

As the May 12 deadline approaches for President Donald Trump to renew sanctions waivers in compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), multiple European leaders, as well as the Chinese and Russians, are working to keep the agreement in place. President Emanuel Macron’s three-day State visit to Washington on April 23 was for the same reason. Macron presented a four-point plan to Trump during their meeting at the White House, to address Iran’s nuclear program in the short and long term, the development of ballistic missiles, and the Islamic Republic’s regional presence. ... atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/iransource/a-way-forward-for-the-iran-deal

Mehran Haghirian / Atlantic Council

Arab nations face a stark choice: ally with Israel or Iran

Two very different dialogue proposals are on the table for the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, one from a historic enemy, Israel, proposed in conjunction with a crucial partner, the United States. The other is from a historic rival, Iran, which shares the same neighborhood and faith. The choice the Arab countries ultimately make could determine the future peace and prosperity of the region. ... newsweek.com/arab-nations-face-stark-choice-israel-or-iran-562214

Mehran Haghirian / Newsweek

Building on the JCPOA with a WMD Free Zone in the Middle East

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is arguably the most comprehensive and verifiable non-proliferation agreement since the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It not only ensures against the proliferation of nuclear weapons, but also recognizes the right to a peaceful nuclear program. As more countries, including members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) develop nuclear infrastructures to meet growing energy demands, it is essential to build on the JCPOA and further enhance the NPT by pursuing Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Free Zones with the objective of inhibiting proliferation, as well as ensuring the peaceful nature of new nuclear programs. ... atlanticcouncil.org/blogs//iransource/building-on-the-jcpoa-with-a-wmd-free-zone-in-the-middle-east

Mehran Haghirian / Atlantic Council

Trump Order Initiates Unnecessary Conflict and Ends a New Horizon with Iran

Iranians are in shock and dismay following the implementation of President Trump’s executive order halting refugee acceptance and banning entry of people from seven Muslim majority countries: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Libya, and Somalia. While this executive order has been widely seen as a “Muslim ban,” the Trump Administration has rejected this claim, and argues that it is acting to counter the threat from violent Islamic extremism. ... atlanticcouncil.org/blogs//iransource/trump-order-initiates-unnecessary-conflict-and-ends-a-new-horizon-with-iran

Mehran Haghirian / Atlantic Council

Iran's Take on the Trump Victory

The victory of Donald Trump brought both relief and fear in Iran. While some are jubilant that Hillary Clinton lost and believe that Trump will conduct his presidency with a business mindset, most are fearful for the fate of the nuclear deal and the new era of international relations that Iran has been enjoying since 2013. Iran’s official stance on the election results has been to present indifference while reminding the President-elect of his obligations to abide by the nuclear agreement. ... atlanticcouncil.org/blogs//iransource/iran-s-take-on-the-trump-victory

Mehran Haghirian / Atlantic Council

A Friendlier Majles Confirms New Rouhani Ministers

President Hassan Rouhani addressed the Islamic Republic’s Majles (Parliament) on Nov. 1 on the occasion of confirmation hearings for three new ministers. With the help of his supporters within the Majles, all three nominees won votes of confidence and are now ministers at least until new presidential elections scheduled for May 19, 2017. ... atlanticcouncil.org/blogs//iransource/a-friendlier-majles-confirms-new-rouhani-ministers