As negotiations between the United States and Iran continue regarding its nuclear program, progressive voices express deep concern over President Trump's aggressive posturing and its potential impact on regional stability and the well-being of working people. Trump's repeated threats and military buildup serve to exacerbate tensions and undermine the possibility of a peaceful resolution.

The previous Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), negotiated under the Obama administration, was a landmark achievement in international diplomacy, successfully curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump's unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, driven by ideological opposition rather than evidence-based concerns, has destabilized the region and emboldened hardliners in both countries.

Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign, characterized by crippling economic sanctions, has had a devastating impact on the Iranian people, pushing many into poverty and limiting access to essential goods and services. These sanctions disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and undermine their ability to access healthcare, education, and other fundamental rights.

The focus on military threats and economic coercion distracts from the underlying social and economic inequalities that fuel conflict and instability in the region. A progressive approach would prioritize diplomacy, de-escalation, and addressing the root causes of conflict through investments in education, healthcare, and sustainable development.

Iran's desire to maintain some semblance of nuclear enrichment capacity should be understood in the context of regional power dynamics and the perceived threat from other nuclear-armed states. A comprehensive solution requires addressing the security concerns of all parties involved, including Iran, and working towards a nuclear-free Middle East.

Instead of resorting to threats and military force, the United States should engage in genuine dialogue with Iran, based on mutual respect and a commitment to international law. This requires acknowledging the legitimate grievances of the Iranian people and working towards a more just and equitable global order.

The current trajectory risks repeating the mistakes of the past, leading to further escalation, military conflict, and human suffering. A progressive foreign policy would prioritize peace, diplomacy, and human rights, and would reject the use of military force as a primary tool of statecraft.

The international community must stand in solidarity with the Iranian people and demand an end to the economic sanctions that are harming their well-being. We must also support efforts to promote dialogue and understanding between the United States and Iran, and to build a more peaceful and just world for all.

The alternative to diplomacy is a path of endless conflict and suffering. Let us choose the path of peace and justice, and work towards a future where all people can live in dignity and security.