Nuke deal won't change Iran's approach to region
In the aftermath of the JCPOA, Iran and other regional powers are seeking to engage, but will likely pursue policies to strengthen positions ahead of anticipated talks.
Iran does not need a nuclear deal to execute its regional policies. However, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) could have a great impact on its approach, thereby facilitating cooperation with Western and Arab countries.
A key argument of those brushing off the utility of regional collaboration with Iran is that Middle East policy falls under the purview of the Quds Force, the foreign operations branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and not the Foreign Ministry. While this has been the case in past years, domestic and international developments — including the JCPOA — are changing dynamics.
