Fear Grips Iran As Donald Trump Returns to Power

Donald Trump’s political resurgence has stirred a wave of largely critical reactions across Iran, resonating even among Tehran’s hardliners. While many Iranians, including influential conservatives, are frustrated by the potential implications of his return, some see it as a possible opening for dialogue under Reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian.

On November 6, government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani downplayed the significance of the U.S. election, asserting it “does not matter” to Tehran. Without explicitly mentioning Trump, she added that the election results would bring “no change in people’s livelihoods,” pointing to the fixed policies guiding Tehran and Washington.

Mohajerani also hinted that the Iranian government is prepared for any scenario, suggesting contingency plans in case Trump resumes office. During Trump’s 2017-2021 term, the U.S. pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal and initiated a “maximum pressure” campaign that wreaked havoc on Iran’s economy. The rial recently hit a historic low against the dollar after Trump’s win, though it saw a slight recovery soon after.

While Iranian officials project an indifferent stance, analysts and political figures have voiced varied perspectives. Former diplomat Fereydoun Majlesi observed that some hardliners might embrace Trump’s return as a final blow to the nuclear negotiations. Characterizing Trump as unpredictable, Majlesi speculated that the incoming U.S. president might “arrive in Iran on a plane” for talks or escalate military pressure.

Former presidential aide Abdolreza Davari suggested on X/Twitter that Iran might pursue discussions with Trump if it deems them necessary, drawing parallels to Tehran’s talks with Baghdad during the Iran-Iraq War. Meanwhile, Reformist Mohammad Ali Abtahi commented that if Tehran maintains a strong diplomatic front, Trump’s election could present an “important opportunity” for Iran. Conservative lawmaker Morteza Mahmoudi echoed the sentiment of resilience, asserting that Iran’s core interests would remain unaffected by U.S. leadership changes.

Other public figures used stronger language to convey dismay. Hardline MP Malek Shariati, in a now-deleted post on X, wrote simply, “Death to Trump.” Pro-reform academic Sadeq Zibakalam sarcastically congratulated those supporting Trump, questioning how the “racist, misogynist, anti-Muslim Trump” might advance democracy and human rights in Iran. Ahmad Zeidabadi, a Reformist analyst, expressed concern over the global challenges awaiting the next U.S. administration, especially in the Middle East.

On social media, reactions were mixed. Some users speculated that U.S. policies favor Israel regardless of the president, while others advised Pezeshkian against seeking ties with Washington. Critics of Pezeshkian seized the opportunity to attack Vice President for Strategic Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif, recalling his remarks earlier in the year about hardliners’ preparedness to manage sanctions under a Trump presidency. One user taunted Zarif, challenging him to maintain oil sales if Trump resumes office.

Iran’s conservative media were similarly unimpressed by Trump’s comeback. The Mehr News Agency highlighted Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s past remarks, which dismissed Trump as “unworthy of any message exchanges.” Meanwhile, Hamshahri, a Tehran Municipality newspaper, posted a 2016 video in which Khamenei questioned the “moral authority” of both U.S. political parties.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that Iran’s strategies would remain firm despite the election, though he conceded that Tehran may need to adjust tactics depending on U.S. developments, potentially affecting the timing of key decisions.