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We present Iranian Diplomacy’s interview with Abdolreza Farajirad, an expert on international affairs and a professor of geopolitics.

- To what extent is the meeting between the Iranian President and the British Prime Minister influenced by the regional developments and the fight against terrorism?

- There are different reasons behind the development of relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Britain during the past year. It was said during Mr. Jack Straw’s visit to Iran that this visit could create developments in the relations between Iran and Britain. This is while the relations between the two countries had experienced difficult conditions. The return of Mr. Straw to Britain and the presentation of a report of his visit to the members of parliament prepared the ground to convince them that the coming to power of the new government had increased Iran’s regional capacity and it was not in Britain’s interest to cut off relations. Later, relations between Iran and Britain moved forward cautiously and step-by-step. The first step was the opening of the embassies at the level of the charges d’affaires. During this visit, certain events took place at the regional and international level; very significant events which caused Britain to realize that it needs the Islamic Republic of Iran. The crisis in the region, particularly the threat of ISIL, led to this understanding that the Islamic Republic of Iran could play a fundamental role in the fight against terrorism because the threats of this terrorist group were growing every day. The other reason is the relations between Russia and the West, the US in particular, and Europe and Britain during the past month. The Islamic Republic of Iran has entered into negotiations in order to reduce sanctions and, thus, open a gateway with Russia. This issue could lead to Britain’s closeness with Iran. Britain would attempt to slow Iran down in taking steps with regard to the ways of reducing sanctions with Russia. There is this concern that with the imposition of sanctions against Russia, Moscow would break this atmosphere and leave a negative effect on the nuclear negotiations. The third reason is related to the nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US. Iran and the US have advanced these negotiations at the level of the ministers and there was also a phone conversation between Mr. Rohani and Mr. Obama. It can be said that the negotiations ,whether in Geneva, Vienna or New York, have moved forward and no negative positions were taken by either side. Britain has always pursued its extra-Pacific policy and attempted to coordinate itself with the US’ policies. Therefore, London has felt that, under the present conditions wherein the new government is in place in Iran and its regional power has increased and it has proven itself, the terrorist accusations made against Iran during the past thirty years were exaggerated, although it does not publicly state this position. Nonetheless, British media and parliamentarians mention this point. Britain has realized that the Islamic Republic of Iran not only does not help terrorism in the region including the Taliban, al-Qaeda, ISIL, …, but that it confronts them and creates obstacles for them. At the same time, Britain cannot control terrorism in the region without the help of the Islamic Republic of Iran due to its regional power and influence.

- What will the impacts of this meeting be on the regional developments and also relations between them and the regional countries?

- It is not assumed that the countries of the region would move towards establishing cold relations due to the relations between Iran and Britain. Naturally, there will be criticisms and they might ask why Britain is interested in the Islamic Republic of Iran and opens the gates for Iran’s activities while they are the allies of the western countries. These complaints are proposed in their media. But this does not mean that they would attempt to cut off their relations with countries like Britain and the US, because the countries of the region need to support the western countries in order to safeguard themselves. There are western bases in each one of Iran’s neighboring countries. Some of these countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, have signed strategic agreements with western countries including France, Britain, the US and also other countries such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Thus, they tolerate this issue. They will gradually realize that Iran is the element of stability in the region. The Islamic Republic of Iran has been able to prove itself in the crises in Iraq and Syria and show that among the countries of the region it has the ability to maintain its stability and help its friends. The aids rendered by the Islamic Republic of Iran have all been aimed at the stabilization of the region and Britain has realized this. Britain has reached the conclusion that without Iran’s help, stability will not be established in the region.

- To what extent is this meeting caused by regional competition between Britain, France and other European countries?

- Part of it is related to regional competition and another part to the trend of international developments. Of course, these competitions are related to the market. European countries have felt that agreements may be reached in nuclear negotiations and the geopolitics of Iran’s relations with the world might open, thus, a great development would be created in Iran’s relations with the world. Hence, preparations should be made in this regard. Western countries are united on political, security and military issues but they compete with each other on economic and cultural matters. Therefore, Britain looks to prepare the ground so that, if the conditions are met, it would be able to be a frontrunner in these issues especially since, during recent years, no serious investment has been made in different areas particularly in the area of oil and gas.