In a panel discussion hosted by Simaye Azadi, U.S. policy experts Judge Michael Mukasey, Linda Chavez, and Kenneth Blackwell discussed the Iranian regime's election process and its implications for American-Iran relations [1fc1ac50]. The panel highlighted the problematic backgrounds of the presidential candidates and emphasized the need for consistent pressure on the regime [1fc1ac50]. They also addressed Tehran's efforts to demonize opposition groups like the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) [1fc1ac50]. The experts expressed cautious optimism for regime change in Iran and underscored the resilience of the Iranian people [1fc1ac50]. The discussion also touched on the international community's response to human rights violations and the importance of maintaining a vigilant policy towards Iran [1fc1ac50].
These discussions took place in the context of the Iranian presidential election, which has been widely criticized as a sham election [1fc1ac50]. The panelists' insights shed light on the challenges and opportunities in American-Iran relations amidst calls for regime change in Iran [1fc1ac50].
Iran’s leaders closely monitor the US presidential election campaign due to its significant implications for their country. They prefer it when Democrats win US elections due to favorable policies and diplomatic approaches typically associated with the Democratic Party. Democratic administrations have shown a greater inclination toward negotiating and engaging in dialogue with Iran. They have been more open to reentering or renegotiating agreements that aim to address the Iran nuclear program. In contrast, Republican administrations have been known for their hard-line policies, including Trump’s withdrawal from the JCPOA and the reimposition of severe sanctions. Iranian leaders view a potential Democratic victory as more advantageous, as it could lead to reduced sanctions, increased opportunities for negotiation, and a less restrictive approach toward Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Under the Trump administration, Iran faced severe political and financial difficulties, with its economy nearing collapse and oil exports plummeting. Iran’s leaders favor the election of a Democratic president due to the historical tendencies of the party’s administrations to engage diplomatically and offer more lenient policies toward Iran [221622d4].