By engaging in negotiations with six world powers over its nuclear program, Iran has elevated its own status to that of a superpower, Zvi Bar'el said Sunday.
In an interview with Aimee Amiga, the Haaretz commentator and expert in Middle East affairs said this new status could see Iran being invited to join international efforts to solve regional problems like the conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. "It is becoming a kind of power in this area, which overshadows the traditional powers like Saudi Arabia and Egypt," he added.
Iran, however, is currently said to be backing the Houthi rebels in Yemen, fighting against American and Saudi interests. "Once it becomes a legitimate power," said Bar'el, it will no longer need to seek out relations with organizations like the Houthis, Hamas and Hezbollah, as it will be legitimate for Iran to be on good terms with states something it has not yet managed to do, other than with Syria and partly with Iraq.
In the interview, Bar'el and Amiga also discuss whether Iran intended to drive a wedge between Israel and the United States and whether the tension works its favor; if Israel has any Arab allies against Iran; whether there is such a thing as a "good deal" as far as Israel is concerned; and if Israel will be more likely or less likely to strike Iran's military facilities should a deal be reached.
By Haaretz
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