BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 17. Former Iranian diplomat and analyst Abbas Khameyar has said Tehran believes the passage of time is benefiting Iran in its standoff with Washington over sanctions, the maritime blockade and pressure to return to negotiations.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Khameyar said Iran was relying on the factor of time more heavily than the United States. He argued that domestic pressure in the US, persistently high energy prices and opposition to the war among parts of the American public could work to Iran’s advantage.
Khameyar said Iran had so far sought to absorb the economic impact of the confrontation through state planning and measures aimed at maintaining supplies. He said the government had worked to support essential goods and ensure the availability of strategic food products and other commodities despite inflation and pressure on the population.
The former diplomat also stressed that Tehran was pursuing diplomatic efforts while maintaining military preparedness. He said Iran should not overlook preparations to respond to any potential US military attack.
