The West trying to impose change on Iran by force will always prove a disaster

St ru an Stevenson appears to be hopeful that America’s “maximum pressure campaign and the ineptly handled coronavirus pandemic” will lead to the collapse of the Iranian regime (Perspective, 23 September).

I see no grounds for op timism in this strategy. It serves only to strengthen the grip of the hardline regime which is now turning for support to Russia and China, who are only too willing to help. Moderate sand reformists like Pr esid entRou ha ni are increasingly sidelined while the Revolutionary Guard snuff out any credible opposition.

Rather than unilaterally scuppering the “Obama deal” President Trump should have used it as a starting point for further negotiations. But then ,his idea of diplomacy seems to be, “Here’s my America First deal. Take it or leave it.”

Of course the people of Iran want greater freedom and better ties with the West, but they are powerless to effect change.

In the last few years, due to the ineptitude of the West’s intervention in the Middle East, Iran has greatly extended its influence in the region. Indeed, without its brutal tactics it is doubtful that IS would have been defeated yet. Iran sees itself as the champion of the Shia Muslims and other minorities such as the Alawites in Syria and the Palestinians.

While the majority of Iranians might not be living “under the poverty line” as Mrstevenson alleges, there is no doubt that the standard of living has fallen for most people asthe result of America’s renewed sanctions and the regime’ s diversion of funds.

If the Western powers could be depended upon to abide by agreements and show that the moderates’ engagement with them is worthwhile in delivering benefits, I would think that the Ayatollahs’ power would be seriously dim inished, opening the way for real change.

Trying to impose change by force, whether economic or military, has proved disastrous time and again. Change must come from inside, but it can be encouraged. DONALD M MACDONALD Blackford Avenue, Edinburgh