The United States is only pretending to seek better relations with Iran to drive a wedge between Tehran and Moscow. Washington has no interest in Iran in its current form; what it wants is a completely different kind of state with a new domestic political system and new foreign policy guidelines.

       Yevseyev argues that Washington had been trying to lure away countries with which Moscow would like to improve relations. But this does not mean the United States actually intends to change its lineup of strategic partners. All of its recent overtures and concessions, including to Iran, are for show.

       “Does anyone really think that the United States will choose Iran over Saudi Arabia, Tehran’s long-time sectarian rival? There are many reasons why the United States will not, including the enormous amount of money the Saudis keep in US banks, lucrative contracts, and cooperation on a number of conflicts where the United States and Saudi Arabia are acting as one,” Yevseyev said.

       Israel, a key US ally, vehemently opposes Iran’s nuclear program. It will never tolerate US rapprochement with Iran and will fight tooth and nail to prevent any US concessions on Iran’s uranium and plutonium enrichment programs.

       Yevseyev believes the United States has no interest in Iran in its current form; what it wants is a completely different kind of state with a new domestic political system and new foreign policy guidelines.

       As for the fourth round of nuclear talks between six major powers and Tehran, to be held in Vienna on May 13 to 16, the expert predicts they will fail, and not only because of the US stance. He believes that Tehran also has no intention of making any concessions or trying to improve relations with Washington.

       There are several reasons for Teheran’s reluctance, according to Yevseyev. First, improving relations with the United States would not strengthen Iran’s standing in the region, which is a critical element of its foreign policy. And second, this would not help resolve the Syrian issue.

       “I don’t think Iran will change horses in midstream. It needs a partner to work with on a variety of projects in the Middle East, such as the Caucasus, joint projects in Central Asia, and security issues. Will Iran abandon all of this in favor of US castles made of sand? I don’t think so,” the expert said.

       Yevseyev believes that US position in the world will continue to erode. Washington lacks the military resources to simultaneously strengthen its positions in Europe, send warships to the Black Sea, increase capacity in Asia Pacific as a counterweight to China, and maintain its military presence in the Persian Gulf. If the United States lets up, so will NATO, the foundation of the US military structure.

       Views expressed are of individual Members and Contributors, rather than the Club's, unless explicitly stated otherwise.