Dear President Biden: an Open Letter

Alan Cai

July 12, 2024

Dear President Biden,

When your predecessor, former President Donald Trump, announced the assassination of Iranian terrorist Qasem Soleimani, our world held its breath in shock. On the one hand, the peaceful civilians of the world let out a sigh of relief with the knowledge that one of the leading global terrorists had been relieved of life. On the other hand, we gasped in apprehension of the violence Iran had in store for America in retribution for the killing. There is no doubt that Iran continues to harbor immense hatred for the United States to this day and is waiting for the right moment to enact its vengeance.

America can no longer play the waiting game with Iran. As the authoritarian country becomes ever more aggressive with its foreign policy in the region, America must look to severely restrain and ultimately contain Iran’s capacity to wage war and exert regional influence in order to maintain global stability. Iran’s significance in the region lies far beyond its vast terrorist networks cultivated by its Quds Force, its vast oil fields, or its relative proximity to the Israel-Hamas conflict and potential involvement; by far its greatest bargaining chip and point of contention with other nations of higher diplomatic prominence is its budding nuclear weapons program.

Mr. President, your promise to rejoin the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (Iran deal) during your 2020 presidential bid was strategic; it allowed for an opportunity for Iran to come back to the negotiating table after experiencing a period of economic turmoil induced by the maximum-pressure campaign the Trump Administration implemented after withdrawing. Nevertheless, your decision to ultimately keep the US out of the JCPOA after taking office despite negotiation attempts was also arguably the correct decision. Iran brazenly pushed for more favorable conditions and trudged its feet on limiting its nuclear program, signaling its reluctance to negotiate in good faith. In addition, its tacit involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict is a reason for concern when it comes to escalating the dispute into a regional war. In a way, your efforts in tandem with former president Trump’s initiatives have jointly contained the spread of Iran’s influence.

In light of recent developments both in Iran and in the Greater Middle East region, I implore you to seek even harsher and more directed sanctions against Iran. It is apparent that such measures are beginning to bear fruit and that the nation may be forced to come back to the table on our terms. The cause of world peace is at stake and it is up to you to make the right call. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Alan