Tehran, Sept 22, The Iran Project - There have been a lot of debates over the transformational nature of the nuclear breakthrough in July 14. As it was expected, in the aftermath of the Iran's nuclear accord, the Iran's diplomatic relations with the world including the EU is being considerably normalized.

Thus, the visits by the EU delegations to Tehran can be interpreted in the light of Iran-EU rapprochement following the nuclear agreement. The Netherland's foreign minister Iran trip after 14 years is the latest in the string of visits by the EU officials, in which he highlighted a new phase of engagement in relations with Iran.

Historically, Iran's diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Netherlands dates back to the 17th century, although the degree of ties has been significantly dropped in recent times. To foresee the prospect of the bilateral ties, the assessment of the Netherlands overall approach toward Iran as part of the EU foreign policy seems crucial. The Netherlands has expressed deep concern over Iran's nuclear issue, calling it to stop the nuclear plan to rebuild the constructive relations with the world.�As it was expected, the government of the Netherlands has expressed support to the policy of sanctions as a means to encourage Tehran to comply with the US resolutions. Besides, it frequently called for more pressure on Iran over the issue of human rights and greater freedom. Meantime, the Dutch government advocated the nuclear negotiations, promising to make efforts to ensure the agreement will be fully implemented.

In a joint press conference, Javad Zarif and Bert Koenders, the Iranian and Dutch foreign ministers seem resolute to return to past relationships while overcoming the problems.�Environmental issues, water crisis, gas and oil, agriculture, ecotourism and industry are the various grounds on which both the Netherlands and Iran are seeking to cooperate closely albeit after lifting the sanctions. On the surface, it seems that the Dutch minister visit after 14 years is a milestone in the bilateral ties; however considering the dark past and specifically the reciprocal mistrust, it is not certain as to what extent the Dutch minister visit may prepare the appropriate ground for a genuine improvement in the bilateral relationship.

The truth is that the EU, including the Netherlands, has explored possibilities for broader engagement with Iran that explains the massive presence of the European delegations in Tehran immediately after the nuclear accord in July. �Now, on the heel of the nuclear breakthrough, Iran would be wise to develop a strategy on how to approach the reshaped mutual relationship with the Netherlands in post nuclear deal era.