(Based on an article published by Semafor on February 2, by )
In the complex realm of international diplomacy, alliances and partnerships often shape the course of history. One such intriguing relationship that has come to light involves Iran regime’s intricate maneuvers with the International Crisis Group (Crisis Group), shedding light on Tehran’s efforts to shape global perceptions, particularly regarding its contentious nuclear program.
Back in 2014, Mohammad Javad Zarif, then Iran regime’s foreign minister, embarked on a mission of paramount importance: garnering international acceptance for Iran regime’s nuclear ambitions. Despite existing tensions with the United States and Europe, Zarif devised a strategic plan. He tapped into the influence of Crisis Group, a Brussels-based organization renowned for conflict resolution, particularly in Western circles.
Zarif’s memoir suggests that Crisis Group may have incorporated Iran regime’s viewpoints into its analyses on the nuclear issue, an assertion vehemently denied by Crisis Group, which maintains that it merely shared its draft reports with Iran and other stakeholders.
However, a meticulous investigation by Semafor, a renowned investigative outlet, unearthed the existence of the “Iran Experts Initiative” (IEI), an Iranian operation aimed at influencing Western academia and think tanks to bolster Tehran’s stance on the nuclear matter. Notably, key figures within Crisis Group, including Ali Vaez and Dina Esfandiary, were found to have connections to IEI. While conflicting narratives persist, leaked documents indicate a longstanding relationship between Iran regime’s Foreign Ministry and Crisis Group, furthering Tehran’s strategic objectives over time.
Interestingly, despite Zarif’s pivotal role in initiating this collaboration, Iran regime’s current leadership, under Ebrahim Raisi, has also raised criticisms against Crisis Group’s involvement in nuclear diplomacy, signaling evolving dynamics within Tehran’s corridors of power.
Navigating Nuclear Negotiations: Crisis Group’s Role
The period spanning 2014 to 2015 witnessed intense negotiations between Iran’s regime and the P5+1 nations over the nuclear issue, characterized by intricate challenges where a single disagreement could jeopardize the entire agreement. In navigating these treacherous waters, Mohammad Javad Zarif and his team turned to Crisis Group and its Iran Project Director, Ali Vaez, for guidance.
Despite Vaez’s past as a dissident protesting against the Iranian regime, he cultivated a close relationship with Robert Malley, a senior figure within the Obama administration’s National Security Council and a longstanding apologist of the Iranian regime. One particularly contentious issue during negotiations was the concept of “breakout” – the time required for Iran’s regime to acquire sufficient nuclear material for a bomb. While American negotiators advocated for a one-year breakout time, Zarif’s team initially resisted. Vaez actively engaged with Iranian diplomats to challenge this notion through various public platforms.
Ultimately, the breakout concept found its way into the final nuclear agreement, with Iran consenting to limitations to ensure it remained at least a year away from nuclear weapon capability.
Beyond nuclear diplomacy, Crisis Group’s ties with Iran’s regime extended to Tehran’s efforts to rehabilitate the international standing of the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), Iran’s in-house think tank. Following Zarif’s appointment as foreign minister in 2013, IPIS sought to reengage with global institutions, including Crisis Group, to promote conflict resolution. Despite apprehensions from some U.S. think tank leaders regarding IPIS’s past promotion of Holocaust denialism, Crisis Group inked a research-cooperation deal with IPIS in April 2016.
Perspectives from Tehran and Crisis Group
Between 2014 and 2015, Iran regime’s Foreign Ministry and IPIS were focused not only on securing a nuclear deal and lifting international sanctions but also on ameliorating Tehran’s pariah status in the West. Under the leadership of Mostafa Zahrani, IPIS endeavored to refurbish its image by establishing partnerships with foreign think tanks. However, IPIS’s entrenched hostility towards Israel remains unchanged, underscoring enduring ideological fissures.
Following Zarif’s departure and Raisi’s ascension to power, Iranian state media has lambasted Crisis Group and Ali Vaez, accusing them of advancing Western interests and sowing discord within Iran. In response, Crisis Group reaffirms its commitment to its core mission of conflict resolution and community service.
Insights and Concerns
While Crisis Group has undeniably played a pivotal role in preventing conflicts globally, recent revelations about its engagements with Tehran have sparked concerns regarding transparency and potential biases. The Iran Experts Initiative, coupled with Crisis Group’s lobbying efforts and memorandum of understanding with IPIS, raise questions about the organization’s objectivity and independence.
As the intricacies of international diplomacy continue to unfold, it becomes imperative for organizations like Crisis Group to uphold transparency and integrity in their pursuits of conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
In conclusion, the intricate dance between Iran’s regime and Crisis Group underscores the complexities of global diplomacy and the pivotal role of intermediary organizations in shaping the trajectory of international relations.
