Iran says US elections are an opportunity to review 'wrong approaches'

US elections are an opportunity to review the “wrong approaches” of the American government, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Thursday, Reuters has reported. The statement was issued following news that Donald Trump is now the US president-elect after Tuesday’s election.

Trump’s return to the White House could mean tougher enforcement of US oil sanctions against Iran, which he initiated in 2018 after withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and global powers.

“We have had bitter experiences with various US governments’ past policies and approaches,” said Baghaei. “Elections are an opportunity to review the wrong approaches of the past.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in September that Tehran is ready to end its nuclear standoff with the West, which accuses Iran of seeking the capacity to develop nuclear weapons. Iran insists that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only.

Outgoing US President Joe Biden attempted to revive the nuclear deal with Iran in negotiations but failed to do so. Trump has not made clear whether he will reopen the issue.

“What is important for Iran will be how we evaluate the actions of the US government,” added Baghaei.

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