Implementation Day has rightly been hailed as a landmark event that heralds the return of Iran into the fold of the international community. Coming at the end of months of tense diplomatic activity between Tehran and the EU3+3, it is another piece of evidence that shows that Iran is able to engage in constructive engagement with outside powers. At the same time, there remains widespread skepticism in the region about how Iran will come to behave once economic sanctions are removed, and events such as the launch of ballistic missiles late last year do not help to instill confidence among neighbours that Iran is a country that can be trusted. It is up to Iran to now prove them wrong.
In an article for Brussels-based Euractiv, Willem Oosterveld argues that for Iran to truly benefit from the opportunities that the lifting of sanctions offer, it should change its ways and become a constructive player in the region. Since it has the means to do so, Iran simply cannot afford to squander this unique opportunity to restore its place among the powerbrokers of the greater Middle East.
The article can be read here.
Photo credit: Frode Bjørshol via Foter.com / CC BY
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