There are countless opinions on the United States’ relations with Iran. But at the end of the day, communication is key to moving forward. Here are three ways that sitting down and talking will help prevent global poverty.

1.  Sanctions Hurt People, Not Politicians

Sure, Iranian leaders are affected by the tough sanctions the U.S. has imposed on their country, but it’s the citizens who suffer. The inflation rate in their country has increased by 40% and it is making living conditions difficult for the Iranian people.

“Food prices are so high that many Iranians have skipped out on buying fresh meats and vegetables, restricting their ability to have a full meal,” says Caroline Modarressy-Tehrani of the Huffington Post.

2. Negotiations Empower the People

According to the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), workers in Iran have no protest rights. That means they cannot stand up for themselves even as living conditions deteriorate, unemployment rises, and the gap between rich and poor increases. With over 50% of the population currently living under the poverty line, that’s a lot of protest power.

The United States is a driving force when it comes to human rights issues. Inviting Iran to the party would not only lay the groundwork for peace, but it would also be a step toward giving Iranian people a voice of their own, so they could fight for their rights and the future of their country.

3. The U.S. Benefits by Making Friends

Valerie Elverton Dixon, founder of JustPeaceTheory.com, says, “The sanctions are hurting ordinary Iranians, many of whom are young people who will become the future leaders of Iran. They are paying close attention to these negotiations and how we conduct them.”

In the fight against global poverty, it is crucial that the United States makes political allies. The money the U.S. spends defending its borders against would-be attackers could go to much better use in the form of foreign aid. Opening trade relations also creates jobs not only for populations overseas, but also here in the United States.

With young people watching, investing time and resources into Iran could prove to yield a big return down the road. If the future leaders of Iran are impressed with how the U.S. diplomats treat their country during these negotiations, peace and prosperity are an inevitable outcome.

– Mike Doane

Sources: Huffington Post, Washington Post, FIDH
Photo: Majalla