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Below is Iranian Diplomacy’s interview with Dr. Ahmad Naghibzadeh, a university professor and analyst of international affairs.

- Following the coming to power of the new administration in Iran, European countries have begun to renew their relations with Iran. Why have these countries changed their approach to interaction with Iran after many years of imposing sanctions against it?

- The Europeans have no problem with Iran. During the past few years, it was only the US’ pressures that distanced these countries from Iran and they were very dissatisfied about this issue because these pressures created obstacles for them to have free trade with Iran. Therefore, the European countries welcome the removal of these obstacles and the preparation of the ground for free trade. But it is important to note that there is this interpretation among the European elites especially the French based on the belief that Iran is the US’ bait and they will not gain anything. In other words, they think that the Americans are greedy about Iran and intend to take control of all of Iran’s resources and not allow Europe to enter this scene. They mention the issue of the Suez Canal as an example. When France, Britain and Israel attacked this canal, the US strongly protested against this measure and blamed them for it. The Europeans had tested every measure to enter the Middle East region and were stopped by the US, thus, this mentality was formed among the European countries that the US does not want their footsteps in the Middle East. But the Europeans must know that Iran is an independent country and is nobody’s bait. Hence, the Europeans can interact with Iran alongside other countries. They must believe this. Of course, they believe, on the other hand, that they must sign contracts with Iran before the US enters Iran. Iran can make the best use of this opportunity as well.

- What impacts would the US objectives and demands have on relations between the European Union and Iran and how independent has the EU acted with regard to Iran?

- The EU always acts independently, but there is a secret and very serious competition between Europe and the US. The US uses all its leverages to stop Europe. That is why there is no interaction between these two. There is no alignment between the US and Europe, but rather competition. This competition can be the basis of some policies which Iran could make use of. The only thing which stops Europe is the US threats and the sanctions which it has imposed. If a country refuses to abide by these sanctions, the US will severely react to it.

- Iran’s nuclear issue has always been an issue of challenge between Europe and the US. In other words, Europe has always been present on the sideline and European countries were considered as a pole against Iran due to the US’ pressures. This does not mean that the Europeans welcome Iran’s nuclearization. On the other hand, the satisfaction of the European countries is not related to the renewal of economic and trade relations with Iran, but rather because they cannot bear to have a new war in the Middle East and know that a new war in that region would ultimately involve them as well. Is this assumption correct and in line with the new policies of Europe with regard to Iran?

- This is completely correct. The Europeans fear the transformation of a power anywhere in the world into competition and try to prevent it. They act independently and are not aligned with the US. Of course, this point must be mentioned that Europe believes that if Iran is supposed to become a nuclear state and advances in its industry and becomes a power against the western powers and creates a market for itself, then this would be an issue which would not be accepted by the capitalist world.

The economic situation of the European countries is not very desirable right now and Iran’s market can help them to be saved from this situation. That is why they are turning towards Iran. We must remember that when sanctions are imposed against a country and then they are removed, competitions will be formed between the European countries for their presence in the target country. For example, when in 1924, the western society suddenly decided to enter negotiations with the former Soviet Union, the fascist Italy of the time was the first country which entered into negotiation with the Soviet Union and later other European countries started to interact with that country and recognized it. Today, Italy was also the first country which entered into negotiation with Iran. This is an indication of a harmonious western orchestra where they will start to compete with each other when they reach an agreement with a country with regard to important strategic issues.

- What is the explicit meaning of the visits made by Mr. Jack Straw and Italy’s former Prime Minister and other officials of this country to Iran?

- Such moves can be considered as paving the way for the future path. Mr. Straw is a parliament member now and his visit does not have any official meaning but at the same time he will speak as a political figure with a ministerial background in the European community and will encourage them to interact with Iran. This measure is also part of the competition which I previously talked about.

- Will the improvement of Iran’s political image among the Europeans lead to the reduction of their cooperation with the US with regard to the issue of sanctions?

- With regard to the issue of sanctions, it is only the US which creates obstacles. If these obstacles are removed, the Europeans will certainly do their utmost to open trade relations with Iran and remove the sanctions. But at the same time they will not open their industries to Iran and allow Iran to stand on its own feet. This is a strategic point which the European countries have always pursued since the 19th century wherein they do not transfer the secrets of their industry to any other country.