From Nixon to China, to Trump to Tehran
Iran is weak. For America’s next president that creates an opportunity
IN washington the “Nixon to China” tagline has lost its attraction. Both parties are too hostile towards the People’s Republic for a miraculous reconciliation to be possible. Perhaps, though, Donald Trump can find a replacement—with Iran. In his first term he ditched the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear deal signed in 2015, and promised to negotiate a better one by applying “maximum pressure”. That didn’t work. Joe Biden sought to reduce tensions with Iran but is leaving office with the Middle East on fire. In January the president-elect will have a second chance. He should use it to rescue a relationship that has poisoned America’s presence in the Middle East for almost five decades.
Explore more
This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “Trump to Tehran”
More from Leaders
Health warnings about alcohol give only half the story
Enjoyment matters as well as risk
Pete Hegseth’s culture war will weaken America’s armed forces
Donald Trump’s nominee for defence risks driving away talent
The capitalist revolution Africa needs
The world’s poorest continent should embrace its least fashionable idea
Just because Indonesia has nickel, doesn’t mean it should make EVs
Economic nationalists are making a reckless bet
Donald the Deporter
Could a man who makes ugly promises of mass expulsion actually fix America’s immigration system?
Mark Zuckerberg’s U-turn on fact-checking is craven—but correct
Social-media platforms should not be in the business of defining truth