Berlin, 14.10.2021

In its current policy paper, "For a Plan B in Iran Policy," the Mideast Freedom Forum Berlin (MFFB) calls on the future German government to make a U-turn in Iran policy.

Ulrike Becker, Head of Research at Mideast Freedom Forum Berlin, explains: "What is needed is a strategy that can really solve the problems and bring peace to the region. Under Plan A - temporary containment of the nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions - Iran has destabilized the region through military influence, the human rights situation in Iran itself has deteriorated dramatically, and Iran has become a nuclear threshold state. That's why a plan B is needed now."

MFFB calls for an open and public approach to countries of the Abraham Accords (UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Israel, etc.) to promote a new security architecture for the Middle East, as well as support for democratic forces in Iran, whose victory against the Islamic Republic system can ensure the only lasting solution to the nuclear conflict.

"The dangers of the nuclear program, as well as the destabilization of the region, can only be solved if there is a democratic turn in Iran. Promoting human rights and supporting the democracy movement in Iran are therefore in the German and European interest and should be made a priority in foreign policy," Becker continues.

Pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran should be stepped up at various levels. This includes sanctions against terrorist activities of the Islamic Republic in Europe, and the consistent prosecution of human rights violations.

At the same time, the new German government should focus more on those forces in the region with which cooperation is possible. This includes close cooperation with Israel and those Arab governments that seek a settlement with Israel and thus stand for an end to the Middle East conflict.

"The political forces in the Middle East that advocate peaceful conflict resolution expect strong and clear signals of support from the West. In their own interest, German policymakers should resolutely stand up for these forces and join them in pushing back against the terrorist obstructionism from Tehran," explains Andreas Benl, co-author of the policy paper, which can be downloaded here. (link)