An elected President in Iran commands lesser power than his or her counterparts in other countries (“High-stakes battle,” editorial, May 18). The real authority rests with the Supreme Leader. Ever since the Islamic Revolution, Tehran’s outlook has been anti-American and it has pursued a foreign policy largely independent of its neighbours. Its support to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has helped in the success of a joint anti-Islamic State (IS) front. President Hassan Rouhani, with his reformist policies, may not have been a complete success but he was able to get the nuclear deal signed and economic sanctions eased. At home there was less repression and some increase in GDP growth.
The present election may turn out to be against Mr. Rouhani, more so of because of U.S. President Donald Trump’s antipathy towards Iran.
Whatever be the outcome, India-Iran relations are based on civilisational links, India has consistently stood by Iran and Iran too has reciprocated. The Chabahar port will enable India to make inroads into Afghanistan and the broader Central Asia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has to learn that a soft approach towards America may not give us dividends, especially under the stewardship of Mr. Trump.
Parthasarathy Sen,
New Delhi
