Trump’s Exit from JCPOA Shattered Trust, TDF Panel Concludes

A high-level panel at the 2025 Tehran Dialogue Forum titled “Iran and Europe: Dialogue, Dilemmas, and the Road Ahead” brought together prominent European and Iranian diplomats and experts to discuss the strained but vital relationship between Tehran and European capitals. The discussion, explored the erosion of mutual trust, the role of sanctions, and the potential for constructive re-engagement.

Oliver McTernan, Founder and Co-Director of Forward Thinking (UK), argued that the core challenge in Iran-Europe relations is the "collapse of trust" over the past decade. “The JCPOA had the potential to rebuild confidence,” he said, “but the opportunity was squandered after the US withdrawal under Trump. While President Biden sought to revive it through consensus-building, he ultimately failed to deliver a viable path forward.”

McTernan also pointed to the continued presence of Islamophobia in European societies as a factor that complicates deeper cooperation. “Islam remains part of the social fabric in Europe, even if it's often pushed to the margins,” he noted, warning against cultural and political currents that hinder mutual understanding. He further criticized Europe’s alignment with US sanctions policy, calling it a major impediment to normalized relations with Tehran.

Joining the discussion, Iranian international relations expert and former diplomat Seyyed Mohammad Dehghani underlined that, beyond the trust deficit, Iran faces what he termed a “respect deficit” from Europe. “European reactions toward Iran have frequently been excessive and politically charged,” Dehghani said, “and this is perceived in Tehran not just as mistrust but as a sign of disrespect.”

Despite these obstacles, Dehghani emphasized that Iran has consistently demonstrated willingness to engage with Europe to resolve not only bilateral issues but also regional and global challenges. “Iran has often led efforts to de-escalate tensions and propose solutions, the door has never been closed from Tehran’s side,” he stated.

Other panelists included Milos Strugar (Conflux Center, Serbia), Maria Louisa Fantappie (Italian Institute of International Affairs), Erwin Van Veen (Clingendael Institute, Netherlands), and Professor Laszlo Csicsmann (Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary), who offered perspectives on diplomatic history, European foreign policy dilemmas, and the impact of geopolitical shifts on the region.

The panel concluded with a consensus that, while deep divisions remain, structured dialogue and mutual recognition of interests could serve as the foundation for a more balanced and respectful relationship between Iran and Europe.

The Tehran Dialogue Forum, organized annually by IPIS, continues to serve as a vital platform for candid discussions between diverse global stakeholders, fostering understanding in complex geopolitical contexts.