Iran Focus
London, 2 May – As North Korea and South Korea appear to be heading towards peace, it is clear that the political landscape is changing for the better. While most of the world is celebrating this historic breakthrough, Iran would do well to learn from the Korean peace talks, according to political scientist Dr. Majid Rafizadeh.
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh writes in his latest column for Arab News that Iran should learn four key lessons from these talks, if the republic wants peace as much as it says it does. Let’s look at those lessons in detail.
1. De-escalate regional conflicts and tensions
It’s no secret that Iran is the escalator for many regional conflicts, through its support for terrorism and interference in the domestic affairs of foreign states, in order to spread its ‘revolution’ across the Middle East.
Iran should make peace with its neighbouring states, stop interfering in their domestic affairs, and end its malign, expansionist, behaviour and rhetoric.
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh wrote: “[For example,] Iran can take steps to improve its relationships with Saudi Arabia and Yemen if it puts an end to its military adventurism and support for the Houthis, including delivering weapons to the militia in violation of a UN resolution, and training as well as financially and politically assisting the Houthis.”
2. Recognise that regional peace is not a complex process
In the past few days, the political situation in Korea has turned on its head and all because North Korea truly appears to want peace in the region. The Iranian Regime acts as if peace would be inherently problematic, when war is actually the big problem.
3. Curtail its nuclear ambitions
If Iran wants peace, they must start by closing their controversial nuclear sites and demonstrating denuclearization, as the Iranian nuclear threat is a major cause of insecurity in the Middle East.
They would also do well to allow international inspections, as North Korea has promised and as Iran was supposed to do under the 2015 nuclear deal.
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh wrote: “Tehran could take similar steps to build trust, promote transparency and avoid triggering a nuclear arms race in the region.”
4. Recognise the many benefits of peace
If Iran were to do all of the above, they and their neighbours in the Gulf would see many benefits to the region and the world. It would promote stability, security, and peace for the Gulf leaders, while also helping to fix Iran’s broken economy and placate the Iranian people who are concerned enough to protest in the streets about the Regime’s malign role in the Middle East and the tanking economy.
To sum it, it would be historic is the Iranian Regime learnt these lessons from North Korea and committed itself to peace. It would be a boon to Iran and the whole world.
However, it is also unlikely that the Iranian Regime will do this. The Regime is run by people who refuse to reform or change the way Iran is run in any way. The only hope for peace in Iran is through Regime change by and for the people of Iran.
