Europeans have enough incentive to trade with Tehran; U.S Professor
Political Science Professor of Colombia University Robert Y. Shapiro believes that Donald Trump's and Republican politics -- they see less usefulness of diplomacy and prefer to be tough in foreign affairs, working alone and not multilaterally.
Speaking to ILNA news agency, he refers to the Iran’s nuclear deal and said “The agreement as many experts have seen it was a useful one regarding the threat of Iran's nuclear weapons advancement.”
“The European has incentives and need to promote their own trade in general and will pursue opportunities with Iran to the extent feasible and not upsetting the US too much.”
U.S Professor refers to America's sanctions against Tehran and added that certainly this leads Iran to promote relations with Russia and China on both economic and diplomatic and military fronts. But both countries may not be fully trusting of Iran.
Asked about how likely is a war between Iran and the US, Robert Shapiro said this will depend on what Iran does in Syria and what Iran and Israeli military engagements turn out to be. The US will support Israel. Russia's actions and statements here will matter as well, given their involvement in Syria and working with Syria and Iran there. Turkey's involvement in Syria and relations with Iran may be relevant too.
Answering to question about Iran's role in combating with terrorism in the Middle East, especially in the fight against Daesh terrorist group (ISIS), he said “Iran has helped the Syrians against ISIS.”
Robert Y. Shapiro is a professor and former chair of the Department of Political Science at Columbia University, and he served as acting director of Columbia’s Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy (ISERP) during 2008-2009.
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