Oct 11

Oct 11 Bankless Task: Can Europe Stay Connected to Iran?

Ellie Geranmayeh and Esfandyar Batmanghelidj

◢ With US sanctions on Iran’s banking sector due to come into effect soon, European countries are now considering measures that would facilitate trade transactions with Iran through a new legal and institutional structure. European governments have been reviewing this legal entity, known as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), for months. The timing of this public announcement suggests that they have a degree of confidence that the SPV can become operational, and that Europe can use the model to showcase its ability to deliver on its commitments.

Jul 18

Jul 18 Three Years Later: Europe’s Last Push on the Iran Nuclear Deal

Ellie Geranmayeh

Policy

◢ The Iran nuclear agreement marked its third anniversary in a gloomy state. Many hoped that the resolution of the nuclear dispute would result in a new understanding between the West and Iran, opening a pathway for detente rather than confrontation. Relations between Europe and Iran have certainly made gains in this direction, but the Trump administration’s maximalist stance on Tehran has created an extremely hazardous environment for all remaining stakeholders in the nuclear deal.

May 21

May 21 Global Academic, Cultural Leaders Declare ‘European Imperative’ to Save Iran Deal

Esfandyar Batmanghelidj

Policy

◢ In a new open letter, over 150 global academic and cultural leaders have called upon the European Union to “discharge its international obligations” and ensure that “Iran and its people enjoy the full economic and political dividends” of the nuclear deal, despite President Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from the agreement earlier this month.

May 9

May 9 Trump's Unequivocal Iran Deal Withdrawal Was the Best Outcome for Iran

Esfandyar Batmanghelidj

Policy

◢ President Trump has violated the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and withdrawn from a landmark arms control agreement that enjoyed broad international support. Crucially, he did so more decisively than many expected. It is this decisiveness which may offer a sliver lining for Iran and Europe, who will find it easier to coordinate a robust response in the face of such a definitive action by Trump.