Iran's government appears to be reacting positively to recent decisions made by the United States, despite the fact that they are attributed to President Donald Trump, whom Iranian operatives have allegedly targeted for assassination.
President Trump's actions to freeze foreign aid spending and potentially dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development have been praised in Iranian state media. These decisions are seen as a way to cut funding for opponents of Iran's Shiite theocracy, including pro-democracy activists supported through U.S. programs aimed at promoting democracy globally.
Simultaneously, Iranian officials are signaling their readiness to engage in negotiations with the U.S. regarding Tehran's advancing nuclear program. This could impact billions of dollars withheld from Iran due to sanctions and the future of a program on the verge of enriching weapons-grade uranium.
Despite Trump's recent executive order to intensify pressure on Iran, he has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with Tehran. This has sparked concerns among ordinary Iranians, as evidenced by the significant drop in Iran's currency value following Trump's order.
Iranian media and officials have suggested that the U.S. cuts in funding could embolden hard-liners in Iran to continue repressive measures, as they perceive reduced U.S. support for those seeking freedom in Iran.
The impact of the USAID decision on Iranian activists and opposition figures remains uncertain. Most funding for civil society in Iran has historically come from the U.S. State Department's Near East Regional Democracy fund, which has supported various initiatives promoting human rights and internet access in Iran.
Iran has noted the absence of direct criticism of the Islamic Republic by the U.S. during a recent United Nations Human Rights Council meeting, leading to speculation that Trump may be open to negotiations. Even Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has hinted at the possibility of talks with the U.S., albeit with caution.
While some factions within Iran's theocracy may oppose negotiations due to past grievances, others view Trump's actions as a potential step towards dialogue. However, the majority of Iranians, grappling with economic challenges, remain skeptical about the benefits of U.S. support for pro-democracy activists abroad.
