What is Iran thinking after Trumps election

Iran's response to Donald Trump’s election victory in 2024 reflects a blend of apprehension and cautious optimism:

Official Response

- The Iranian government has publicly minimized the implications of Trump's victory. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, remarked that the U.S. elections present an opportunity to "review the erroneous approaches" of previous administrations.

- Officials assert that the election results will not significantly alter Iran's policies. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that "the identity of the victor holds little relevance," especially as the currency has reached a record low against the dollar, trading above 700,000 rials per dollar. This trend underscores concerns regarding potential renewed economic pressures should Trump assume office again.

- There is widespread apprehension among the Iranian populace regarding the prospect of intensified economic hardship if Trump reinstates the "maximum pressure" sanctions policy from his first term.

Mixed Public Reactions

- Some Iranians harbor hopes that Trump's background as a businessman might lead to negotiations with Iran and the possible lifting of sanctions.

- Conversely, there are fears of an increased likelihood of conflict with the U.S. or Israel under Trump's administration.

- Public sentiment is divided, with some viewing potential pressure on the Iranian regime favorably, while others express concern over the repercussions for ordinary citizens.

Geopolitical Considerations

- Speculation abounds regarding whether Trump would opt for diplomatic engagement with Iran, akin to his approach with North Korea, or revert to a more confrontational stance.
- Iran's relationships with regional powers, such as Saudi Arabia, may influence its capacity to effectively counter U.S. pressure.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Iranian government is projecting a facade of indifference, there exists considerable economic anxiety and uncertainty among the Iranian populace regarding the implications of Trump's return to power for U.S.-Iran relations and the domestic situation in Iran. The overall reaction is marked by a complex interplay of concern, cautious hope, and efforts to downplay the significance of the election outcome.