Hardliner Raisi Inaugurated as Iran President...Eyes on Resuming Nuclear Deal Talks (Comprehensive)

"Full Diplomatic Efforts to Lift Sanctions" Emphasized
US State Department Also "Urges Resumption of Nuclear Deal Talks"
Indirect Negotiations via Saudi Arabia Expected Over Direct US Dialogue

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, a hardline cleric in Iran, has been inaugurated as the 13th President of Iran. In his inaugural speech, President Raisi emphasized improving the livelihoods of the people and pledged to actively pursue diplomacy aimed at lifting sanctions on Iran. The international community is expressing both hope for a new breakthrough in restoring the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), which has been temporarily suspended since last month, and concerns over potential difficulties in negotiations due to the hardline administration.

On the 5th (local time), Raisi's inauguration ceremony was held at the Iranian Parliament building. President Raisi wore a black turban symbolizing his status as an Islamic Shia cleric and took the oath of office with his hand on the Quran, the Islamic holy book. This was interpreted as an effort to distinguish himself from former President Hassan Rouhani, who led the country with a secular moderate faction. The ceremony was attended by leaders from various sectors within Iran as well as delegations from 73 countries across Asia and Europe.

President Raisi stated, "The new administration will devote all efforts to developing Iran's economy and resolving livelihood issues," adding, "Iranian sanctions must be lifted, and I support any diplomatic plan to achieve this." He also identified anti-corruption measures, elimination of discrimination within Iran, and strengthening relations with Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia as core policies of the new government. Raisi’s emphasis on restoring livelihoods and diplomatic efforts to lift sanctions as his inaugural message is seen as a response to the severe economic difficulties currently facing Iran. According to the Associated Press, Iran is suffering from compounded economic hardships due to prolonged US and Western sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to water and electricity shortages. Nationwide protests triggered by these hardships have further destabilized the political situation.

The international community is closely watching whether the Raisi administration will resume negotiations to restore the Iran nuclear deal. The US State Department issued a statement immediately after Raisi’s inauguration ceremony, urging the resumption of JCPOA talks. Ned Price, spokesperson for the US State Department, said, "If President Raisi is sincere about lifting sanctions, we urge Iran to promptly return to nuclear deal negotiations."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

However, concerns have been raised that President Raisi, a hardline cleric listed on the US sanctions list, could easily reverse negotiations with the US and other Western countries. According to Al Jazeera, before the inauguration ceremony, Raisi commemorated Qasem Soleimani, former commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps who was killed in a US drone strike in January last year, expressing hostility toward the US. During his speech, he also drew a line by saying, "We will not be bound by foreign powers in everything, nor will we engage in unconditional negotiations to resolve livelihood issues." This is interpreted as a warning message that negotiations with the US could be broken off at any time.

Israel, Iran’s greatest adversary, also issued a strong message regarding Raisi’s inauguration. According to the Times of Israel, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said at a press conference, "With Raisi’s inauguration, Iran’s nuclear capabilities will be strengthened, and the world must respond together," emphasizing, "Israel is ready to attack Iran at any time."

Within Iran, there is analysis that President Raisi will pursue diplomacy indirectly through normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia rather than direct talks with the US and the West. Iranian political analyst Dr. Mostafa Koshaim told CNN, "Since winning the presidential election, President Raisi has consistently mentioned improving relations with Saudi Arabia first," explaining, "He will prioritize diplomacy and trade enhancement with Saudi Arabia over nuclear deal negotiations with the US and the West."