The presence of Iranian-backed judge who sought the arrest of US President Donald Trump has been recently confirmed in Washington DC.
Ahmad Khatami, a conservative cleric and member of Iran’s ruling Assembly of Experts attended a counter-terrorism meeting in the US capital under the invitation of US State Department. Khatami had earlier called for the US president to be arrested and tried for inciting violence against protesters in July of this year.
The invitation to travel to the US capital was seen as strange by many given Khatami’s call for Trump’s arrest. Iran had previously condemned the US President’s actions and the presence of Khatami in Washington may have been seen by Iran as a potential diplomatic overture.
It is now known, however, that Khatami was invited to meet with US State Department officials for consultations regarding US-Iran relations and how to address terrorism in the region. In a statement, the US State Department affirmed that the invitation to Khatami was an effort to create an open dialogue between both countries with a view to fostering peace and stability.
It is unknown if Khatami accepted the invitation but the invitation does mark a potential movement towards a better relationship between the US and Iran. A more open line of communication between both countries could represent a shift away from animosity and may even lead to increased diplomatic ties in the future.
The meeting evoked questions from some in Iran as to why their highest court judge was invited to speak with US officials. Iran has been historically mistrustful of the US and inviting a member of its highest court to discuss terrorism with US officials has not gone unnoticed.
The invitation of Ahmad Khatami has raised many eyebrows and questions in the international community however it does potentially represent a political step forward in the region. The continued search for peace between the US and Iran may depend on the willingness of both countries to expand dialogue and a State Department invitation to an Iranian judge viewed by some as a potential adversary could signal a willingness to try for progress.