US/Iranian Relations: Back to Square One?

by Stephen Lendman

US concerns about Iran's well-known peaceful nuclear program were always red herring cover for its real aim - regime change, replacing Iranian sovereignty with stooge governance Washington controls.

However P5+1 one talks conclude by around end of June, US business as usual remains unchanged.

Washington wants Iranian independence destroyed. Israel wants its main regional rival eliminated, ideally balkanized into impotent mini-states under Western control.

In an interview with Saudi Arabian owned and operated Al Arabiya News, Obama declared Iran a "state sponsor of terrorism" - months after National Intelligence director James Clapper said this designation no longer applied to Tehran.

In his annual report to the US Senate, he highlighted Iran's "intentions to dampen sectarianism, build responsive partners, and deescalate tensions with Saudi Arabia."

Obama reversed policy by outrageously claiming "Iran clearly engages in dangerous and destabilizing behavior in different countries across the region. Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism."

It "supports Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. It aids the Houthi rebels in Yemen."

"So countries in the region are right to be deeply concerned about Iran’s activities, especially its support for violent proxies inside the borders of other nations."

"When it comes to Iran’s future, I cannot predict Iran’s internal dynamics. Within Iran, there are leaders and groups that for decades have defined themselves in opposition to both the United States and our regional partners."

"I'm not counting on any nuclear deal to change that."

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif blasted Obama's remarks saying "(t)he US has resorted to projecting blame on others in order to appease its regional allies."

Obama's "statements are merely a repetition of his previous unfounded accusations to appease his allies" - Israel, Saudi Arabia and other Arab states.

"Our policies in the region are based on consolidating friendship and cooperation as well as conducting responsible acts to reinforce stability and guarantee regional security."

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham responded to John Kerry claiming Iran seeks regional destabilization, saying:

"The allegations of certain US officials about what they call 'Iran's destabilizing acts in the region' are completely rejected."

"Instability in the region is rooted in the foreign interference in the region's affairs and this (foreign meddling) threatens security and stability and prevents deep cooperation and strong and constructive interaction based on mutual interests among the regional states."

Afkham blasted Washington hypocrisy - its double standard approach to terrorist groups, supporting the region's most extremist exponents.

On Wednesday, John Kerry lied saying "Iran needs to recognize that the United States is not going to stand by while the region is destabilized or while people engage in over warfare across lines - international boundaries - in other countries."

Iran is the region's leading proponent of peace, stability and mutual cooperation among all nations.