Iran risks unrest, renewed attack without final US deal, Zarif warns
Iran could face further economic hardship, domestic unrest or renewed military attacks if it fails to secure a final agreement with the United States within the proposed 60-day negotiating period, former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said.
In an essay titled “The Flight of the Iranian Simurgh,” Zarif argued that managing tensions with Washington was essential to Iran’s wider international relations because even its partners would avoid costly cooperation while confrontation with the United States continued.
“Contrary to expectations, Russia and China neither became Iran’s allies nor provided meaningful assistance during the two wars,” he wrote.
He described the Strait of Hormuz as leverage that Iran should use in negotiations rather than surrender without reciprocal concessions.
“Keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed for too long, or exploiting it in the short term, will build a global consensus against Iran, even with China on board,” Zarif wrote.
The former foreign minister described the US-Iran memorandum of understanding as an “exceptional window for diplomacy,” but said the opportunity was time-limited and the risk of another attack could increase after US elections.
Zarif proposed a policy of “comprehensive balance” centered on stronger relations with Iran’s neighbors, China, Russia and Europe. He called for a regional coalition involving Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan, alongside Qatar, Oman, Indonesia and Malaysia.