TEHRAN-TABNAK, Dec 29 – Olli Heinonen, Distinguished Fellow with the Korea program at the Stimson Center says possible Iran-US talks will go beyond the nuclear issue.
“Issues on the table are complicated and any agreement has far reaching conclusions,” Former deputy director general of the IAEA told Tabnak News Agency.
He adds: It is therefore important that communication channels are clear even when meetings and organizational arrangements are set up.
Following is the full text of the interview.
Q: Japan's Kyodo News Agency announced that Iran is considering Japanese mediation in behind-the-scenes negotiations with the next administration of US President-elect Donald Trump on the nuclear issue. What is your assessment of this issue?
A: Japan has been increasingly playing a role as a mediator in international disputes, particularly facilitating resolutions of business disputes through the Japan International Mediation Center (JIMC-Kyoto). We should also note the connections of Foreign Minister Aragcchi to the Japanese diplomatic circles. He served as the Iranian Ambassador in Tokyo 2007-11.
Q: Given the Iranian government's willingness to talk to the Trump administration and some mediations, is it possible that talks between Iran and the US could begin sooner than expected?
A: Issues on the table are complicated and any agreement has far reaching conclusions. It is therefore important that communication channels are clear even when meetings and organizational arrangements are set up. In the light of that and knowing many of the key persons of the Trump Administration in this matter, I think that they will establish direct channels and will not count much on intermediaries.
Q: Japan has good relations with Iran and is an ally of the US. To what extent can Japan play a constructive role in this mediation?
A: Negotiations and solution of complex issues, which have impact on the region and beyond, are important for the forthcoming US Administration. They will certainly engage, but not just to talk, but to look for a durable solution, which will likely go beyond the provisions of the JCPOA.
Q: Oman and Qatar were previously considered mediators in Iran-US relations. What factors led Japan to assume such a role?
A: Japan has several reasons to be interested in resolution of these disputes. Not only economical, but also security reasons. Japan is a supporter of the NPT regime, which is gradually compromised due to non-compliance of Iran on its safeguards obligations. These negotiations have also bearing to the behavior of "resistant states", Russia, Iran and North Korea, which is a matter of concern.
