When the United States elects its president, the ramifications of that decision resonate globally, with Iran being one of the most directly impacted nations. As Americans prepare to vote in a closely contested election between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, analysts point out that tensions with Washington are likely to remain high, regardless of who wins.
Harris and Trump are campaigning amid rising fears of a significant Iranian retaliation against Israel, particularly after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei threatened a “tooth-crushing” response following Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other areas. Military leaders within Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are hinting at an escalation that may involve more advanced weaponry against Israel.
Both US candidates have taken hardline stances against Tehran. Harris labeled Iran the “greatest adversary” of the US last month, while Trump has pushed for Israeli military action against Iranian nuclear sites. Yet, both have also indicated a willingness to engage diplomatically with Iran. Trump expressed a desire to restart nuclear negotiations, saying, “We have to make a deal because the consequences are impossible.” Harris has also supported returning to nuclear talks, although her rhetoric has become more confrontational.
Political analyst Diako Hosseini remarked that the key question for Iran is which candidate might better manage tensions. He noted that while Trump strongly backs Israel, Harris adheres to a conventional US approach toward Iran.
Historically, Trump’s presidency was marked by significant deterioration in US-Iran relations after he exited the 2015 nuclear deal and imposed stringent sanctions. The Biden administration, including Harris, has maintained and expanded these sanctions, complicating any potential diplomatic avenues.
Despite this, Iranian officials have indicated a willingness to engage in discussions with the US, though they acknowledge that diplomacy is more challenging now than it has ever been. President Masoud Pezeshkian noted that Iran faces an “all-out economic war” and has expressed a desire for sanctions relief through dialogue with the West.
Meanwhile, Iran’s top diplomat stated that Tehran does not attach great importance to the outcome of the US election, emphasizing that their focus remains on their own national interests rather than the political shifts in Washington.
