The Debate

Twiplomacy and the Iran Nuclear Deal

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The Debate

Twiplomacy and the Iran Nuclear Deal

Iran’s diplomatic outreach using Twitter has been unprecedented – and successful.

Twiplomacy and the Iran Nuclear Deal
Credit: Office of the President of Iran

The emotion was obvious, from the jubilant crowds in the streets of Tehran to the relieved diplomats in the lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel in Geneva and beyond. Those who had fervently hoped for a successful outcome to the Geneva talks heaved a sigh of relief as soon as a historic deal had been sealed between Iran and the world powers. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif and his P5+1 interlocutors were lauded for their relentless efforts to achieved a consensus. U.S. President Barack Obama also received praise, as his consistent policy on Iran finally began to pay dividends. Yet there is perhaps one more thing to be thankful for: digital diplomacy.

In a belated initiative, Iranian conservative leaderships have embraced Twitter diplomacy in an attempt to bridge the gap between Iran and rest of the world. Initially somewhat unnoticed, it drew mass attention when it began to reveal some unprecedented positions. When Iranian President Hassan Rouhani greeted the Jewish people on Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year, on his Twitter account, it very quickly made headlines. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif soon followed. In reply to Mr. Zarif’s tweet, Christine Pelosi – daughter of Nancy Pelosi, the minority leader in the House of Representatives – said, “The New Year would be even sweeter if you would end Iran’s Holocaust denial, sir.” “Iran never denied it,” Retweeted Zarif. “The man who was perceived to be denying it is now gone. Happy New Year.” It was a clear indication of a break from former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

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