Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has signaled a significant shift in Iran’s foreign policy, extending an invitation for U.S. investment and reinforcing Tehran’s commitment to peaceful nuclear ambitions.
His comments, made just ahead of critical nuclear talks with the United States, highlight a potential new chapter in the strained relationship between the two nations. Pezeshkian’s remarks suggest that Iran is open to economic cooperation, which could pave the way for diplomatic progress and stability.
According to a report by Newsweek, these developments are seen as part of Iran’s broader strategy to engage economically with Washington while maintaining its stance on nuclear disarmament.
Iran’s Open Invitation for Investment
In a speech on Wednesday, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “has no opposition to American investors.” This comment marks a notable shift in tone, as it signals Tehran’s readiness to engage with Washington economically, despite the strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The invitation for U.S. investment is a key component of Pezeshkian’s broader message as Iran prepares for upcoming talks in Oman, which are expected to focus on the nuclear agreement and economic cooperation.
The president’s remarks appear to highlight the possibility of a mutually beneficial relationship, offering both economic growth and diplomatic stability.
I meet the supreme leader several times each week – Pezeshkian said.
He has no opposition to American investors in the country. Let them come and invest – but we oppose plotting, regime change efforts, and destructive policies.
Iran is not a place for conspiracies or espionage followed by assassinations. Investors are welcome to invest in our country.
A Business-Friendly Shift in Foreign Policy
By opening the door to American investors, Pezeshkian may be aligning Iran’s diplomatic strategy with U.S. President Donald Trump’s emphasis on business deals.
The Iranian government is keenly aware that Trump has expressed a desire for agreements that boost the American economy and create opportunities for U.S. companies, especially in the context of international negotiations.
Iran’s leadership understands that Trump will want to boast that his deal with Iran will boost the American economy and American companies,
Says Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, CEO of the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation, an economic think tank that tracks Iran.
They are looking at recent moves by the U.S. administration, such as the critical minerals deal pushed on Ukraine, and recognizing that Trump wants a business deal, not a nuclear deal.
In fact, one of Trump’s criticisms of the nuclear deal was that it primarily benefited European companies while American firms were left on the sidelines – he added.
This move could be seen as a calculated attempt by Iran to appeal to Trump’s business instincts, focusing not only on the nuclear issue but also on broader economic considerations.
As the U.S. president has criticized past nuclear agreements for benefiting European companies over American ones, this proposal may be seen as a strategic response aimed at ensuring that any potential deal offers economic rewards for U.S. businesses.
Reaffirming the Stance on Nuclear Weapons
Ahead of the nuclear talks, President Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s longstanding position: the country is not pursuing nuclear weapons. He noted that Iran’s nuclear activities have been thoroughly verified by international bodies, adding that these verifications could be repeated as needed.
We are not after a nuclear bomb. You (in the West) have verified it 100 times. Do it 1,000 times again – Pezeshkian stated.
For Iran, reaffirming its stance on nuclear weapons is a crucial component of these talks, which could determine the future of the 2015 nuclear agreement. The country’s leadership seeks to avoid a nuclear escalation while pursuing sanctions relief and economic recovery.
Economic Challenges and Opportunities
Iran’s economy has been severely impacted by international sanctions, particularly after the U.S. withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 and imposed a “maximum pressure” campaign.
The withdrawal reversed the economic stabilization that Iran had gained from the original agreement, leading to soaring inflation, rising unemployment, and a devalued currency.
Despite these challenges, Pezeshkian’s call for American investment reflects a broader desire to lift the Iranian economy and reduce its isolation. The country’s leadership hopes that international business engagement, including from American firms, could serve as a pathway to recovery.
Esfandyar Batmanghelidj further notes,
In reality, it will be difficult to convince risk-averse American companies to trade with Iran, let alone to invest.
But there are ways for the U.S. and Iran to structure their economic cooperation to build trust in the agreement and to boost trade or investment.
American investors could hypothetically gain exposure to Iran through investment funds in the Gulf, vehicles that Trump and his circle are very familiar with.
