The Impact of Donald Trump’s Presidency on Iran
The last time Donald J. Trump held the office of President, the repercussions for the Islamic Republic of Iran were nothing short of catastrophic. During his administration, Mr. Trump made the significant decision to withdraw from a nuclear agreement that had begun to ease sanctions on Iran in exchange for the nation curbing its nuclear ambitions. This move was followed by the imposition of an additional 1,500 sanctions targeting crucial sectors of Iran’s economy, including its oil exports and banking system, leading to severe economic hardship for the Iranian populace.
Furthermore, Mr. Trump took the dramatic step of ordering the assassination of a highly esteemed Iranian military figure, Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, who had been labeled a terrorist by the United States. This act escalated tensions between the two countries and had profound implications across the Middle East.
Despite this tumultuous history, as Mr. Trump campaigns for a second term, some Iranians are expressing the belief that he could be a more favorable option than Vice President Kamala Harris—or at the very least, no worse. Farhad, a 34-year-old English tutor for university students, remarked, “Since he wants to be the one to ‘Make America Great Again’ and sees himself as a negotiator, perhaps he will be open to negotiations.” Like many others interviewed, Farhad preferred to use only his first name for anonymity.
In over 20 discussions held in Tehran over the past week, the U.S. election and its possible outcomes were at the forefront of many minds. A significant number speculated on how the differences between Ms. Harris and Mr. Trump might impact Iran. These conversations took place in the presence of a government interpreter, underscoring the sensitivity of the topic.
- Most participants perceived Ms. Harris as someone likely to uphold the existing policies of the Biden administration.
- In contrast, Mr. Trump was viewed as a candidate who could potentially bring about change, making him the lesser of two evils in their eyes.
- However, they acknowledged that Trump’s strong support for Israel, Iran’s self-declared adversary, could complicate relations further.
Ultimately, the sentiment among many Iranians suggests a complex landscape of hope and skepticism as they contemplate the implications of the upcoming U.S. election on their nation’s future.
