Relations with Iran as a Key Topic in the Democratic Candidates' Debate

Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, the Democratic candidates for the U.S. presidential election this year, addressed the 'implementation of the nuclear agreement' and the potential future of relations between Iran and the U.S. in their latest debate. This debate took place on January 17, one day after the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the release of American citizens in Iran. The two candidates had disagreements over how and when diplomatic relations might begin. Bernie Sanders mentioned the normalization of relations between the U.S. and Cuba as an example of what might occur in Washington and Tehran's relationship, while Hillary Clinton spoke more cautiously on the matter. Sanders stated, 'I think we should seriously move towards normalizing relations with Iran; despite understanding that we oppose Iran's behavior in many cases.' He emphasized that 'Iran's support for terrorism' and the slogan 'Death to America' are unacceptable. However, he added that reaching a nuclear agreement between Iran and the U.S., without the two countries falling into war, is a 'positive step.' Hillary Clinton, who served as Secretary of State during Barack Obama's first term, spoke about her efforts to impose sanctions on Iran, which she believes brought Tehran to the negotiating table. Clinton said, 'They (Iran) are still doing what is necessary for the agreement (on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). But I think we need to watch them closely.' Referring to the years of severed relations and tensions between the two countries, she added, 'We had one good day in the past 36 years, and I think before we move too quickly, before we normalize our relations, we need to have more good days.' The former Secretary of State emphasized, 'We must ensure that they will properly implement the [nuclear] agreement, and we need to be aware of many other inappropriate behaviors they have in the region.' Clinton had previously expressed her doubts about Iran fully implementing the nuclear agreement and emphasized the need for close monitoring of its execution. Nevertheless, she is considered a supporter of the negotiations and the agreement reached. Bernie Sanders, on the other hand, has identified himself as a proponent of closer relations with countries like Iran and Russia. In a debate last November, he stated, 'When you have Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Western Europe as allies in the fight against ISIS, we will destroy ISIS.' The candidates also discussed issues such as gun ownership control, universal healthcare, and criticism of current President Barack Obama. Clinton accused Sanders of not being strict enough regarding the implementation of laws for greater gun control in the United States, which Senator Sanders denied. On the other hand, Sanders criticized Clinton for supporting the Iraq War during George W. Bush's presidency. Clinton also stated that Sanders has harshly criticized Obama and made severe accusations against the President. Clinton defended the changes during Obama's presidency regarding universal healthcare and making it affordable for uninsured citizens. She criticized Sanders' proposal, saying, 'Let's let this (current healthcare plan) work.' Sanders stated that he himself helped draft the new proposal and that Clinton's statements about his healthcare proposal are 'not accurate.'