In 2016, Donald Trump criticized the sitting president’s choices concerning Iran, and now Joe Biden is doing the same in his presidential campaign. The future of the US-Iranian relationship hinges on the outcome of the November elections.

Last January, many feared the two countries were on the brink of war, but since then tensions have decreased.

”I think [the Iranians] are keeping their options open,” says Research Fellow Mariette Hägglund from the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, “until they find out the results of the presidential elections.”

“By escalating the situation they would close the door for negotiations or dialogue.”

Hägglund believes Iran is open to negotiating with the United States if the country elects a new president who takes a different approach. But what will the Iranians do if Trump gets a second term?

“I honestly don’t think they themselves know.”